5'.  So 

from  f^c  fciBrfttg  of 

(profeBBor  n3?iffiam  J^^^^  (Breen 

Q$cqueaf^b  fig  ^im  to 
t^e  &i6rari?  of 

(Princeton  ^^eofogtcaf  ^etninarg 


^ 


» 


4 

I 


A     MEMOIR 


THE  REV.  W.  A.  B.  JOHNSON, 


MISSIONARY  OF  TOE  CHURCH  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY,  IN  REGENTS  TOWN, 
SIERRA   LEONE,  AFRICA, 


by 


\r 


'Rote.r-t    Bev^-fco'v^    SeeUv^ 
WITH  AN  INTRODUCTORY  NOTICE, 


STEPHEN    H.    TYNG,    D.  D 


NEW  YORK: 
ROBERT     CARTER    &     BROTHERS, 

285      BROADWAY. 
1853. 


CRAIGHEAD,  PRINTER  AKD  8TERE0TTPER, 

53  Veeev  street,  JV\  l'. 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  L 

A.D.  I'ZS'?— 1816. 

Page 
Early  Life — Conversion — Entrance  on  the  Missionary  Work        .       13 

CHAPTER  IT. 

A.D.   1816. 

Arrival  at  Sierra  Leone — Appointed  by  Mr.  Bickersteth  to 
Regent's  Town — Commencement  of  his  Labours — Opening  Pros- 
pects  .26 

«i 
CHAPTER  m. 

A.D.   1817. 

Mr.  Johnson's  Ordination — His  growing  Labours  aad  Success       .       52 
CHAPTER  IV. 

A.D.   1818. 

Continued  Successes — Tibials  and  Difficulties — Sickness  and  Death 
of  the  Missionaries 74 


IV  CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  V. 


A.D.  1819.  9i 

Page 
Visit  to  the  Interior — Illness  of  Mrs.  Johnson — She  is  obliged  to 
return  to  England — Mr.  Johnson  accompanies  her       .         .         .     12-t 


CHAPTER  VI. 

Mr.  Johnson's  arrival  in  England — His  visit  to  Hanover — His 
occupation  while  in  England — And  his  return  to  Africa — 
Letters  from  converted  negroes  at  Regent's  Town     .         .         .     1G4 


CHAPTER  VII. 

A.D.  1820. 

Arrival  in  Regent's  Town — Letters  from  Home — State  of  things 
in  the  Mission — Restoration  of  its  efficiency      .         .         .         .ITS 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

A.D.  1820. 

Retrospect  by  one  of  the  Missionaries — Progress  of  the  Mission — 
Visit  to  the  Banana  Islands      .......     219 


CHAPTER  IX. 

A.D.  1821. 

Progress  of  tlie  mission — Visit  of  Mr.  Bacon,  and  of  Mr.  Single- 
ton to  Regent's  Town 246 


CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  X. 
A.D.  1822. 


Page 

Increasing  Prosperity  and  fresh  Trials — Illness  and  Return  of 
Mrs.  Johnson — Mr.  Johnson  afflicted  with  Ophthalmia      .         .     2Y9 


CHAPTER  XI. 

A.D.  1823. 

Increasing  Ophthalmia — Intended  visit    to   England — His   Em- 
barkation— and  Death 341 


CHAPTER  XII. 

Progress  in  Regent's  Town — Receipt  of  the  Intelligence  of  Mr. 
Johnson's  Death   in  England — And  in  Africa — Letters — Con- 
^      elusion       ............     359 


gntr^hutatg    'gatitt. 


The  life  of  the  Rev.  W.  A.  B,  Johnson  may  probably  be  unknown 
to  many  American  readers.  It  will  not  be  found  unworthy  of  the 
earnest  Christian  study  of  any.  It  cannot  but  be  a  most  precious 
example  to  all.  I  can  never  forget  the  impressions  which  the  extracts 
from  his  journal,  as  published  in  the  missionary  papers  of  the  day, 
used  to  make  upon  my  youthful  mind.  I  have  long  desired  to  see 
some  faithful  biography  of  him  prepared  for  universal  use.  Why  it 
has  been  so  long  neglected  I  know  not.  The  desired  book  has  at 
last,  however,  appeared,  from  the  pen  of  a  viilned  layman  in  London, 
whose  time  and  heart  are  habitually  occupied  in  efforts  to  do  good 
to  men.  It  will  be  found  one  of  the  most  striking  and  interesting 
biographies  which  the  present  age  has  brought  out.  Rarely,  in  the 
records  of  the  Christian  Church,  will  there  be  found  such  a  course 
as  William  Johnson's — so  effective,  though  so  short, — so  intelligent, 
with  so  little  preparation — so  elevated,  though  having  so  little  of  this 
world's  greatness.  It  will  appeal  to  young  men  to  stir  up  the  gift 
within  them.  It  will  show  what  great  things  the  love  of  Christ  may 
accomplish  with  very  feeble  outward  means  of  influence.  It  will 
open  to  their  minds  a  path  of  usefulness  and  happiness  perfectly 
accessible  and  sure  The  exhibition  of  the  Gospel  in  it  is  most  beau- 
tiful and  pure.  The  advantage  of  plain,  practical  intelligence  is  most 
remarkably  displayed.  The  efficiency  of  real,  living  piety,  a  love  for 
Christ,  and  for  -the  souls  whom  he  has  redeemed,  is  wonderfully  ex- 


Vlll  IXTRODCCTORY    NOTICE. 

hibited.  It  would  be  a  happy  thing  to  place  this  volume  in  the  hands 
of  every  youth  in  our  land.  And  Christian  parents  and  friends  can 
hardly  do  more  good,  with  any  similar  instrument,  than  by  present- 
ing it  to  every  son,  to  show  them  how  much  they  may  do  for  the 
Saviour  of  men,  and  how  happy  they  may  be  in  doing  it. 


S.  II.  T. 


St.  George's  Rectory, 
JVVjo  York^,  Februari/  22, 1853. 


MEMOIR   OF   ¥.   A.   B.   JOHNSON. 


CHAPTER  I. 

A.D.  1787— 181C. 

Early  Life — Conversion — Entrance  on  tlie  Missionary  "Work. 

If  it  were  possible  for  men,  amidst  the  smoke  and  fogs  of  this 
lower  world,  to  see  things  in  the  light  in  which  they  will  one 
day  appear,  in  how  high  an  estimation  would  the  office  of  a 
Christian  Missionary  be  held  !  Its  elevation  above  all  other 
posts  or  employments  may,  even  now,  be  correctly  discerned 
by  a  very  brief  consideration  of  many  plain  declarations  of 
Scripture.  Our  Lord's  own  discourses  repeatedly  ascribe  bless- 
edness, not  to  high  rank  in  the  Church,  or  to  deep  learning 
even  in  sacred  things,  or  even  to  extensive  usefulness  and  popu- 
larity. In  His  view,  who  could  not  err^  it  was  that  peculiar 
descripti©n  of  duty  and  sacrifice  Avhich  falls  to  the  lot  of  the 
Missionary, — which  marked  out  beforehand,  those  who  should 
hereafter  "  shine  as  the  brightness  of  the  firmament,  and  as  the 
stars  for  ever  and  ever."  It  was  to  those  who  could  say,  "  Lo, 
we  have  left  all,  and  followed  thee," — that  our  Lord  promised, 
"  Ye  shall  sit  upon  thrones,  judging  the  tribes  of  Israel,"  and 
it  was  of  those  who  should  thus  follow  the  apostles,  that  He 
added,  "  and  every  one  that  hath  forsaken  houses,  or  brethren, 
or  father,  or  mother,  or  wife,  or  children  for  my  sake,  shall  re- 
ceive an  hundred  fold,  and  shall  inherit  everlasting  life."  Still 
later,  after  our  Lord's  departure,  it  was  that  great  apostle  who 
so  followed  his  Master  as  to  be  able  to  say,  '"  In  weariness  and 

Q 


14         ,  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

painfulness,  in  Matchings  often,  in  hunger  and  thirst, in  fastings 
often,  in  cokl  and  nakedness," — "  I  have  suffered  the  loss  of  all 
things," — it  was  he  who  was  able  to  adtl,  in  the  immediate 
prospect  of  death,  "  I  have  fought  a  good  fight,  I  have  finished 
my  course, — henceforth  there  is  laid  up  for  me  a  crown  of 
righteousness,  ■which  the  Lord,  the  righteous  Judge,  shall  give 
me  in  that  day." 

But,  as  the  office  is  the  noblest  that  can  be  named  among 
men,  so  is  it  to  be  expected  that  many  should  be  found  "  to 
come  short  of  it."  Few,  indeed,  in  these  luxurious  days,  take 
up  the  apostolic  office  in  an  apostolic  spirit.  There  are,  among 
Missionaries,  as  well  as  among  disciples  generally,  those  who 
"  have  no  root,  but  in  time  of  temptation  fall  away  ;" — those 
who  are  "  choked  with  the  cares  and  pleasures  of  this  life,  and 
bring  no  fruit  to  perfection."  On  this  account,  as  well  as  in 
order  to  glorify  God  in  the  works  wrought  by  his  servant,  it 
seems  highly  desirable,  when  a  man  of  an  '  excellent  spirit '  has 
been  raised  up,  and  given  to  the  Church,  to  put  on  record  a 
faithful  delineation  of  his  labours  and  their  reward,  both  for 
the  reproof  and  correction  of  those  who  fall  short,  and  for  the 
encouragement  of  those  who  are  pressing  after.  It  has  seemed 
to  some,  that,  among  all  whom  God  has  thus  qualified  and  sent 
forth  into  his  vineyard,  there  has  scarcely  been  found  one  whose 
example  is  more  likely  to  benefit  the  Church,  than  that  of 
William  Johnson.  And  in  this  belief,  the  present  Memorial 
is  attempted. 

There  is  something  strikingly  simple,  and  pregnant  with 
meaning,  in  the  first  mention  which  appears  among  the  records 
of  the  Church  Missionary  Society,  of  the  offer  of  William  John- 
son to  enter  upon  the  missionary  work,  and  of  the  Committee's 
acceptance  of  it.     It  runs  thus  : 

[From  Minutes  of  Committee  of  Correspondence,  held  at  the  Church 
Missionary  House,  Jan.  9,  1815.] 
'  The  Secretary  reported  that  a  German  of  the  name  of  John- 
son was  desirous  of  engaging  as  a  schoolmaster,  and  his  wife  as 


OFFERS    HIMSELF    TO    THE    MISSipNARY    WdfeK.  15 

a  schoolmistress  under  the  Society  ;  he  had  given  the  following 
account  of  himself: — 

*W.  Augustine  Bernard  Johnson,  age  28,  wife  26,  works 
with  Mr.  Martineau,  sugar-refiner,  Princes  Place,  Cable  Street, 
St.  George's  in  the  East ;  has  worked  there  two  years  ;  had  been 
in  Germany  two  years  in  a  counting-house ;  a  Hanoverian  ; 
known  to  Mr,  SteinkopfF  and  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Stodhart,  Isling- 
ton ;  lives  at  14,  Morgan  Street,  Commercial  Road. 

'Resolved  :  that  enquiries  be  made  respecting  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Johnson,  and  that  they  be  desired  to  attend  the  next  meeting 
of  this  Committee.' 

[From  the  Minutes  of  Committee,  Jan.  23,  1815.] 
'  Conversation  was  had  with  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Johnson,  and  ad- 
vice given  them.     They  professed  their  utmost  willingness  to 
give  themselves  up  to  the  work  of  God.     Their  characters  and 
their  views  having  been  favourably  reported  of,  it  was 

'  Resolved :  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  Committee  to 
receive  I\lr.  and  Mrs.  Johnson  under  the  care  of  the  Society, 
and  that  they  be  prepared  as  schoolmaster  and  schoolmistress 
for  Africa.' 

Thus  his  name  was  once  mentioned  to  the  Committee,  and 
it  was  agreed  that  he  should  have  an  interview.  That  intei'- 
view  took  place  a  fortnight  after,  and  without  an  hour's  delay, 
or  any  postponement,  for  further  inquiries,  Mr.  Johnson  and  his 
wife, — himself  a  workman  at  a  sugar-refiner's  in  Whitechapel, 
— are  at  once  engaged,  and  destined  to  go  forth,  as  soon  as  a 
certain  amount  of  instruction  has  been  given, — as  schoolmaster 
and  schoolmistress  in  Western  Africa.  The  men  who  thus,  at 
once,  and  without  hesitation,  grasped  at  the  offer  of  William 
Johnson  almost  as  soon  as  it  was  made, — were  not  novices,  or 
men  of  rash  and  heedless  tempers.  That  Committee  included, 
such  names  as  Josiah  Pratt,  Basil  Woodd,  AVilliam  Goode,  and 
Daniel  Wilson.  The  obvious  inference,  therefore,  which  we 
may  safely  draw  from  their  immediate  acceptance  of  William 


16  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

Johnson's  offer,  is,  that  the  sincerity  and  earnestness  of  his  soul 
so  fehevve<l  itseH"  in  his  looks  and  words,  that,  as  Philip  could 
baptize  the  Eunuch  whom  he  had  only  seen  for  a  single  hour, 
so,  they  felt  no  danger  of  deceit  or  illusion,  in  at  once  accepting 
the  plain  assurances  of  this  German  mechanic. 

Soon  after  Mr.  Johnson's  settlement  in  Africa,  he  felt  a  strong 
inclination  to  place  on  record  the  circumstances  of  his  conver- 
sion and  call  to  the  missionary  Avork.  From  this  paper,  now 
preserved  among  his  Journals,  in  the  Church  Missionary  So- 
ciety's office,  we  extract  the  following  details : 

'  I  have  several  times  determined  to  keep  a  day-book,  and 
actually  began,  but  have  not  been  able  to  perform  it.  This 
shows  me  ray  weakness,  that  I  can  do  nothing  of  myself.  Now, 
may  God  the  Holy  Spirit  enable  me,  the  weakest  of  all  saints, 
and  the  chief  of  all  sinners,  to  fulfil  this  determination  ;  and  may 
it  be  done  to  the  glory  of  my  dear  Redeemer,  Jesus  Christ.  : 

'  First,  it  would  be  desirable  to  give  a  brief  account  of  my 
conversion  ;  and,  secondly^  of  my  call  to  the  ]\Iissionary  work  ; 
and  may  this  be  done  to  the  glory  of  God. 

'■First.  How  I  was  called  by  grace. 

'  It  would  be  long  and  tedious  to  go  through  the  wliole  of 
my  life.  I  will  therefore  .only  say  that  goodness  and  mercy 
have  followed  me  all  the  days  of  my  life.  I  have  been  won- 
derfully and  miraculously  preserved  in  many  dangers. 

'In  1812  it  pleased  the  Lord  to  make  me  willing  to  accept 
the  salvation  of  Jesus.  The  following  means  were  used  : — I 
was  brought  very  low  in  temporal  circumstances.  One  evening, 
having  nothing  to  eat,  and  being  almost  naked,  and  my  dear 
wife  lying  in  bed,  weeping  for  hunger,  which  drove  me  into 
great  distress,  I  threw  myself  also  on  the  bed,  and  turning  my- 
self from  one  side  unto  the  other,  thinking  what  I  should  do — 
"No  friend  to  go  to."     What  to  do  I  did  not  know. 

'  When  I  was  about  eight  years  of  age,  my  schoolmaster 
used  the  method,  that  every  child  had  something  to  repeat 
on   Monday   of  the   sermon  preached   on  Sunday   morning. 


NARRATIVE    OF    HIS    CONVERSION.  17 

Accordingly,  I  remembered  the  following  passage,  ■which  the 
minister  mentioned  in  the  pulpit,  "  Call  upon  me  in  the  day  of 
trouble  ;  I  will  deliver  thee,  and  thou  shalt  glorify  me."  When 
the  schoolmaster  came  to  me,  and  I  told  him  this  passage,  he 
was  dissatisfied,  and  replied  that  it  was  merely  a  passage  out 
of  the  Bible,  and  that  he  never  had  thought  that  sufficient,  and 
so  on,  which  grieved  me  very  much,  so  that  I  never  forgot  it 
afterwards. 

'  Now  when  I  was  lying  in  bed,  and  did  not  know  what  to 
do,  this  passage  struck  my  mind  all  at  once,  "  Call  upon 
Him  !"  but  thought  I,  "  will  God  deliver  me  ? — me  call  upon 
God  I — have  not  I  done  such  things^  and  committed  such  sins  ? 
— and  now  call  upon  God  to  deliver  me  !"  In  short,  it  was  as 
if  a  book  had  been  open,  and  I  had  read  all  the  sins  I  had  been 
guilty  of.  "  Oh,  what  shall  I  do,  what  shall  I  do  !  no  worldly 
prospects,  and  an  angry  God."  In  short,  I  was  in  a  despairing 
state  :  oh,  what  a  dismal  night  was  this  ! 

'  The  following  morning.  I  went  to  work,  (having  employment 
the  same  time  in  a  distillery,  where  I  received  18s.  per  week, 
which  was  insufficient  for  the  support  of  me  and  my  wife,*)  how 
I  felt  I  do  not  know,  for  I  was  like  a  madman.  Breakfast 
time  came  ;  all  the  men  went  home,  but  it  was  of  no  use  for 
me  to  go  home  ;  yet  to  stay  there  would  cause  suspicions, 
therefore  I  went  home. 

'  My  wife  met  me  at  the  door  very  happy.  This  was  some- 
thing strange  to  me ;  she  told  me  that  the  breakfast  was 
ready.  I  was  astonished,  and  did  not  know  what  to  say.  She 
then  told  me  that  a  lady  from  India  had  taken  a  house  in  the 
street,  and  had  sent  to  the  mistress  of  a  neighbouring  shop,  for 
a  Avoman  to  stay  with  her,  and  the  mistress  had  recommended 
her,  and  the  lady  had  given  her  4s.,  and  told  her  to  get  the 
house  ready,  and  if  she  behaved  well  she  would  reward  her 
accordingly. 

'  My  feelings  at  that  moment  I  cannot  well  express.     The 

*  It  should  be  remembered  that  this  was  the  period  of  the  highest  price  of  pro- 
visions ; — bread  being  at  that  time  just /our  timea  its  present  price. 


18  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

greatest  sinner  in  tlie  world,  and  Ood  so  merciful  !  My  de- 
spairing state  was  turned  a  little  into  joy ;  but  still  my  sins, 
nay  sins  laid  very  heavy  upon  me.  I  tried  to  pray,  but  I  did 
not  know  how  or  what  to  say,  lest  I  should  add  sin  to  sin.  I 
beheld  the  world,  and  I  thou<Tht  there  was  none  that  did  right. 
I  tried  to  do  good,  but  I  could  not  bring  it  into  performance. 
Oh,  what  shall  I  do  ?  what  shall  I  do  ? 

'  Having  heard  that  a  prayer-meeting  was  held  in  the  Ger- 
man Church  at  the  Savoy,  every  Friday  and  Monday,  I  deter- 
mined to  go  on  the  following  Friday.  Accordingly  the  time 
came,  and  I  went, 

'  A  missionary,  Mr.  Lel^ian,  of  the  Moravian  brethren,  gave 
an  exhortation :  Mr.  SteinkopfF  being  on  the  continisnt  at  the 
time.  Mr.  Lehman  explained  the  love  of  Jesus  ;  how  he  came 
into  the  world  to  save  sinners,  lie  exclaimed,  "  Is  there  a  sin- 
ner here,  full  of  sin  ;  and  ready  to  sink  under  it  ? — I  bid,  in  the 
name  of  Jesus,  such  an  one  to  come  unto  Him :  for  He  has 
said,  *  Come  unto  me,  all  ye  that  labour  and  are  heavy  laden, 
and  I  will  give  you  rest.' "  This  was  what  I  stood  in  need  of 
— in  short,  I  was  enabled  to  crj"-  to  Jesus  for  mercy.  I  could 
pray — I  felt  my  sins  forgiven — I  felt  joy  unspeakable  and  full 
••of  glory.  I  thought  I  could  have  gone  to  heaven  at  once ;  and, 
at  last,  like  the  Eunuch,  I  went  on  my  way  rejoicing.  Many 
passages  of  Scripture,  and  spiritual  hymns  which  I  had  learned, 
when  young,  entered  ray  mind,  and  appeared  to  me  as  if  I 
never  had  known  them  before.  One  passage  in  particular  made 
me  wonder  that  I  never  had  seen  the  beauty  which  it  contained, 
before.  It  was  the  following :  "  In  the  beginning  was  the 
Word ;  and  the  word  was  Avith  God,  and  the  Word  was  (xod. 
The  same  was  in  the  beginning  with  God ;  all  things  were 
made  by  him,  and  without  him  was  not  anything  made  that 
was  made,"  and  so  on  until  I  came  to  those  w-ords,  "  and  the 
Word  was  made  flesh,  and  dwelt  among  us."  Here  I  wns  lost 
in  wonder.  God,  who  made  all  tilings,  came  into  the  lower 
world,  became  a  little  child,  and  laid  in  a  manger  for  the  sake 
of  poor  lost  sinners  !     Oh,  what  manner  of  love  is  this  !     And 


NARRATIVE    OF    HIS    CONVERSION.  19 

then  I  began  to  see  how  wonderfully  he  had  led  me;  had  pro- 
tected me  in  so  many  dangers,  and  even  when  in  rebellion 
against  him,  he  had  loved  me,  and  called  me  out  of  nature's 
darkness  into  his  marvellous  light ;  turned  me  from  evil  paths 
into  the  paths  of  life.  Oh  why  me  !  the  chief  of  sinners  !  the 
vilest  of  the  vile,  why  me,  why  me  ? 

'After  I  was  thus  called  out  of  darkness  into  the  marvellous 
light  of  God,  I  felt  a  great  desire  to  convert  those  who  were 
about  me ;  which  T  believe  is  the  ease  with  every  young  Chris- 
tian. Accordingly,  the  first  thing  I  undertook  was  to  tell  my 
wife  all  that  had  happened  unto  me,  which  she  well  knew  her- 
self, and  to  persuade  her  to  come  to  Jesus ;  but  I  was  disap- 
pointed, and  soon  found  that  it  belonged  to  the  Lord  to  "  bring 
men  out  of  darkness  into  light." 

'  The  same  experiment  I  tried  on  my  fellow-labourers,  but 
they  laughed  me  to  scorn,  and  called  me  a  hypocrite,  &c.,  and 
after  that  they  began  to  persecute  me.  My  master,  who  had 
not  done  any  business  for  some  time,  began  business  again,  and 
I  had  to  work  on  Sunday.  This  set  me  quite  against  mj  situ- 
ation, I  therefore  (after  having  struggled  with  the  cares  of 
this  world)  left  it,  and  obtained,  through  the  mercy  of  God,  a 
situation  as  warehouseman,  in  the  sugar-house,  in  Princes 
Place,  Cable  Street. 

'  I  had  then  joined  the  Savoy  church,  and  used  to  go  with 
my  wife  to  Zion  Chapel  on  Sunday  evenings. 

'  One  Wednesday  evening,  a  young  man  who  lived  in  the 
same  house  where  I  was,  asked  me  if  I  would  go  with  him,  and 
he  took  me  to  Pell  Street  chapel.  An  old  gentleman  j^reached. 
that  evening.  I  understood  but  little  English  at  that  time,  but 
still  my  soul  was  so  interested  that  I  determined  to  go  again. 
Accordingly,  I  and  my  wife  attended  on  the  Sunday  evening 
following.  Mr.  Stodhart  preached,  and  I  thought  I  could  un- 
derstand him  better  than  any  English  minister  that  I  had  heard 
before.  His  text  was,  "  There  is  no  peace,  saith  my  God,  to 
the  Avicked."  I  thought  I  never  had  heard  so  much  of  the 
Lord  .Tesus  before,  neither  had  I  heard  such  a  sermon  before. 


20  MEMOIR    OF   JOHNSON. 

This  induced  mo  to  take  a  seat,  and  I  and  my  wife  attended 
the  week-day  lecture,  and  on  Sunday  evenings. 

'  But  I  must  confess  that  at  first  when  I  attended  tliere,  I 
staggered  much  at  the  doctrine  of  free  and  sovereign  grace. 
But  blessed  be  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  that  he  has  taught  me 
otherwise  since  through  his  Holy  Spirit.  I  am  fully  persuaded 
that  no  one  will  nor  can  believe  except  he  is  taught  by  (Jod  the 
Holy  Ghost. 

'I  come  now  to  the  time  when  it  pleased  the  Lord  to  fill 
my  heart  with  sometliing  else.  About  November,  1813,  some 
missionaries  were  publicly  addressed  in  a  chapel  in  Fetter  Lane, 

and  I  was  present  on  the  occasion.     One  of  them,  Mr.  B , 

stood  up  and  declared  what  the  Lord  had  done  for  liis  soul, 
and  bow  he  was  called  to  the  missionary  work.  I  felt  what  I 
never  had  felt  before.  First,  I  saw  the  unspeakable  privileges 
I  enjoyed,  and  what  the  Lord  Jesus  had  done  for  my  soul :  and, 
secondly,  I  saw  the  misery  and  wretchedness  of  the  poor  be- 
nighted heathen.  Oh  what  did  my  heart  feel !  Oh  could  I 
but  go  and  help  them,  and  tell  them  of  Jesus  I  how  gracious 
and  merciful  he  is  to  poor  sinners !  I  must  see  others  go,  but 
shall  I  never  go  ?  I  am  married  and  have  no  ability  ;  but  still 
if  I  could  but  go,  and  tell  them  of  Jesus  !  "  Oh  Lord,  to  thee 
nothing  is  impossible  ; — here  am  I,  send  me :"  these  were  my 
feelings  that  night ;  I  Avas  drowned  in  tears — I  turned  myself 
to  the  wall  and  gave  free  course'  to  the  fulness  of  my  heart.  In 
this  state  was  my  mind  for  some  time.  "  Oh,  if  I  could  but  go  ! 
here  am  I,  oh  Lord,  send  me  1"  But  I  took  it  into  closer  con- 
sideration, and  I  thought  that  it  never  could  be,  for  the  Society 
would  not  engage  a  married  man,  and  many  other  difficulties 
came  into  my  mind,  therefore  I  tried  to  quench  the  desire. 
But  this  brought  me  into  great  darkness,  and  I  became  quit^ 
prayerless  and  careless. 

'  Soon  after  Mr.  Stodhart  used  in  the  pulpit  the  following 
words,  'Are  any  of  you  in  darkness,  examine  yourselves,  for 
something  is  tl)e  reason  that  God  hides  his  fiicc.'  This  brought 
me  to  a  close  examination,  and    I   found  that  ever  since  I 


NARRATIVE    OF    HIS    CONVERSION.  21 

quenched  the  desire  about  the  Missionary  work,  I  had  been  in 
darkness,  and  was  constrained  to  call  out,  '  That  is  it,  that  is  it. 
Lord,  to  thee  nothing  is  impossible  ! — here  I  am  ;  send  me  if  it 
is  thy  will !'  Thus  it  was.  Very  often  when  I  quenched  the 
desire,  a  dark  cloud  overshadowed  my  mind. 

'In  May  1814,  I  attended  some  of  the  annual  Missionary 
Meetings,  and  was  at  the  communion  in  Zion  chapel.  Here  my 
desire  was  renewed  again,  and  I  thought  that  nothing  else  than 
this  could  make  me  happy,  wherever  I  was.  This  was  my  first 
and  ray  last  thought,  "  Lord,  to  thee  nothing  is  impossible ! — 
here  am  I,  send  me."  But  still,  when  I  took  it  into  closer 
consideration,  mountains  of  difficulties  arose  in  my  mind,  insur- 
mountable to  reason. 

'Also  another  desire  arose  in  my  mind,  which  was  to  join 
the  church  in  Pell  Street,  for  my  heart  was  there.  I  thought, 
"  Oh,  if  the  Lord  would  but  be  pleased  to  call  my  wife  by  his 
grace,  and  we  both  could  join  that  church,  how  happy  should 
I  be.  We  live  close  by  ;  my  employment  is  close  by  ;  I  would 
sit  myself  down  and  spend  the  rest  of  my  days  in  p.eace  and 
comfort."  However,  my  wife  remained  still  unconverted.  Once 
Mr.  Stodhart  mentioned  in  the  pulpit  that  if  we  could  continue 
to  pray  for  a  particular  thing,  it  would  certainly  be  granted. 
This  was  a  great  consolation  to  me,  for  I  was  enabled  to  con- 
tinue to  pray  for  my  wife,  and  by  this  I  knew  that  he  who  is  a 
prayer-hearing  and  a  prayer-answering  God,  would  sooner  or 
later  answer  my  prayer.  But  this  hope  soon  vanished  away, 
and  I  thought  the  Lord  would  not  hear  my  prayer ;  unbelief 
prevailed,  and  brought  me  very  low,  and  when  in  this  unbe- 
lieving state,  I  am  ashamed  to  say,  the  Lord  answered  my 
prayer.  One  Sunday  while  she  looked  on,  when  the  people  of 
God  in  Pell  Street  were  surrounding  the  Lord's  table,  it  pleased 
the  Lord  to  give  her  conviction  of  sin.  Oh,  what  did  my  heart 
feel  then  !  Jesus  is  a  prayer-hearing  and  a  prayer- answering 
God.  When  I  was  full  of  unbelief,  then  he  answered  my  im- 
perfect prayers. 

'  I  was  then  delivered  from  a  heavy  burden  which  had  caused 


22  MEMOIR    OF   JOITXSON'. 

me  to  mourn  very  often  ;  my  prayers  were  heard  and  answered, 
and  my  hoart  did  sing  for  joy.  I  thought  I  should  be  happy 
and  comfortable  now. 

'  But  I  soon  found  that  I  was  mistaken.  Some  time  after  I 
found  myself  in  darkness  again  and  worse  than  ever.  I  was 
brought  very  low,  and  my  spiritual  distress  was  gi-eat.  I  could 
not  utter  a  word  in  prayer.  My  heart  seemed  like  a  heavy 
stone  within  me.  Wlien  I  went  to  hear  the  word,  I  appeared 
as  insensible  as  steel.  On  Friday  evening  I  intended  to  go  to 
,  Pell  Street,  but  I  felt  a  great  desire  to  stop  at  home ;  however, 
after  several  resolutions,  I  went,  but  came  late.  Mr.  Stodhart 
gave  an  exhortation,  and  I  came  just  before  he  began.  He 
explained  the  first  seven  verses  of  1  Tim.  iii.  "  This  is  a  true 
saying,  if  a  man  desireth  the  office  of  a  bishop,  he  has  desired 
a  good  work,"  and  so  on  ;  and  he  used  the  following  expres- 
sion, "  If  once  a  desire  is  laid  on  the  heart  by  the  Holy  Spirit, 
if  it  be  to  the  ministry  or  to  any  other  office,  that  desire  will 
never  be  quenched.  The  individual  may  try  again  and  again 
to  quench  it,  but  he  will  never  have  any  rest  till  it  is  accom- 
plished." This  came  with  power  to  my  heart,  and  I  thought  I 
had  resisted  the  Holy  Spirit,  for  I  had  tried  to  quench  the  desire 
again  and  again.  I  determined  to  go  on  and  to  speak  to  Mr. 
Stodhart  about  it ;  but  when  I  attempted  to  go  to  him,  I  was 
taken  with  great  fear  and  unbelief,  and  did  not  go.  My  heart 
was  then  filled  with  anguish  and  horror,  so  that  I  liad  no  rest 
day  nor  night.  "  I  have  resisted  the  Holy  Spirit,  for  I  have 
quenched  a  desire,  which  the  Holy  Spirit  has  raised  within 
me,"  was  my  continual  anxiety.  One  day,  my  mind  was 
relieved  through  a  passage,  which  struck  my  mind  very  forcibly, 
and  has  ever  since  been  a  great  comfort  to  my  soul,  "  My  grace 
is  sufficient  for  thee,  for  my  strength  is  made  perfect  in  weak- 
ness." This  encouraged  me  to  go  on,  and  the  following 
Wednesday  evening,  I  went  to  Mr.  Stodhart  in  the  vestry,  and 
opened  my  mind  to  him.  He  made  my  heart  bleed,  but  did 
not  dismiss  me  without  hope.  He  told  me  of  a  gentleman 
who  often  met  with  the  Committee  of  the  London  Society,  and 


NAHRATIVn:    OF    HIS    COXVERSIOX.  23 

advised  me  to  go  to  liim,  and  open  my  mind  to  him.  Accord- 
ingly I  went  a  few  days  after  to  Mr.  A ,  and  told  him  my 

desire.  He  told  me  that  he  did  meet  with  the  Committee  very 
frequently,  and  as  soon  as  he  could  find  an  opportunity,  he 
would  mention  it.  Thus  I  went  home  more  comfortable,  but 
my  troubles  soon  came  on  again,  and  sorrow  overshadowed  my 
mind.  I  thouglit  it  was  now  high  time  to  acquaint  my  wife 
with  ray  intention.  When  I  opened  my  mind  to  her,  she  replied 
that  she  could  not  think  of  such  an  undertaking,  for  she  was 
very  happy  and  comfortable  now,  and  would  rather  stay  where 
she  was,  but  that  if  I  thought  proper  to  go,  she  would  not 
hinder  me.  This  grieved  me  very  much,  and  I  was  in  some 
measure  sorry  that  I  ever  had  gone  so  far,  and  not  considered 
the  matter  better  before. 

'  However,  I  was  enabled  to  make  it  a  matter  of  prayer,  and 
soon  found  that  my  prayers  were  Iieard  and  answered ;  for  a 
few  days  after,  my  wife  had  as  great  a  desire  as  I  had. 

'I  continued  to  wait,  hoping  that  Mr.  A would  bring 

my  offer  before  the  Committee,  when  one  day  Mr.  During 
called  upon  me.  He  told  me  that  he  was  engaged  in  the 
work  of  the  Church  Missionary  Society,  and  that  the  Society 
wished  to  send  another  with  him  to  Western  Africa.  I  told 
him  I  had  a  great  desire  to  go  out  as  a  Missionarj'^,  and  he  re- 
plied, that  if  I  thought  proper,  he  would  mention  it  to  Mr.  Pratt. 

'  A  few  days  after  he  came  again,  and  told  me  that  Mr. 
Pratt  wished  to  see  me.  I  saw  in  some  measure  my  way  clear 
now,  and  every  obstacle  seemed  to  give  way,  but  still  a  great 
fear  rested  upon  my  mind.  I  thought  if  I  should  run  unsent, 
and  engage  in  this  great  work  without  being  effectually  called 
to  it,  I  should  bring  myself  into  a  most  miserable  state.  How- 
ever, these  were  the  means  again  of  bringing  me  to  a  throne 
of  grace,  and  I  found  that  my  desire  increased,  and  I  was 
more  and  more  determined  "  to  know  nothing  among  men, 
save  Jesus  Christ  and  him  crucified."  A  few  days  after,  I 
went  to  Mr.  Pratt,  and  after  a  short  conversation,  Mr.  Pratt 
told  me  he  Avould  bring  it  before  the  Committee,  and  would 


24  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON, 

let  me  know.  About  fourteen  days  after  I  was  called  before 
tlie  Committeo,  witli  my  wife  ;  and  we  were  received.  I  again 
thought  that  I  had  passed  over  all  my  trials,  but  I  soon  found 
them  come  in  again,  spiritual  and  temporal.  My  wife  was 
afflicted  with  illness,  and  I  was  tempted  and  distressed  on  be- 
half of  my  ability.  Once  I  was  mercifully  delivered  through 
a  sermon  preached  by  Mr.  Stodhart,  on  the  following  words : 
"  Because  the  foolishness  of  God  is  wiser  than  men,  and  the 
weakness  of  God  is  stronger  than  men."  This  was  a  precious 
sermon  to  me,  and  especially  an  anecdote  Mr.  Stodhart  men- 
tioned about  a  fellow-student  who  was  three  years  at  college, 
and  could  not  so  much  as  learn  English  grammar,  and  yet  the 
Lord  made  him  afterwards  a  useful  minister  of  the  (Gospel. 
This  abated  my  doubt  and  fears  for  a  little,  but  not  long,  for  I 
again  doubted  whether  I  was  truly  called  or  not.  This  arose 
because  I  was  convinced  that  many  engaged  in  this  work  with- 
out being  effectually  called  to  it  by  God  the  Holy  Spirit.  At 
length  I  was  led  to  doubt  even  my  being  ever  called  by  grace 
out  of  nature's  darkness  into  the  marvellous  light  of  God.  I 
tried  to  trace  my  past  experience,  but  it  seemed  to  me  as  if  it 
had  arisen  through  my  own  imagination,  and  appeared  like  a 
dream.  When  this  was  carried  on  to  the  uttermost,  and  I  was 
about  to  go  to  Mr.  Pratt  the  following  day  and  give  up  all,  a 
dream,  in  which  that  precious  promise,  "  My  grace  is  sufficient 
for  thee,"  was  powerfully  impressed  on  my  mind,  became  the 
means  of  calming  my  fears. 

'After  this  I  was  led  much  to  think  about  the  place  of  our 
destination,  and  it  appeared  to  me  a  very  dark  spot.  When 
Sierra  Leone  came  into  my  mind,  a  dark  cloud  appeared  before 
me,  but  through  the  darkness,  the  following  promise  came  con- 
tinually into  my  heart,  "  I  will  bring  the  blind  by  the  way 
that  they  know  not ;  I  will  lead  them  in  paths  they  have  not 
known  ;  I  will  make  darkness  light  before  them,  and  crooked 
things  straight ;  these  things  will  I  do  unto  them  and  not  for- 
sake them." 

"  At  length  the  time  of  our  dej)arture  was  at  hand  ;  every 


NARRATIVE    OF    HIS    CONVERSION.  25 

thing  was  got  ready,  and  I  still  doubting  and  fearing,  but  en- 
couraged by  the  above-mentioned  promise,  went  on,  and  we 
embarked  on  board  the  Echo  the  11th  of  March,  1816,  for 
Sierra  Leone. 

'  Thus  I  have  briefly  declared  the  dealings  of  the  Lord  to- 
wards me  so  far.  I  must  pause  for  a  moment  and  compare 
my  present  state  and  circumstances,  with  the  above-mentioned 
exercises,  and  say  with  one  of  old,  "  Oh  the  depth,  both  of  the 
wisdom  and  knowledge  of  God  ;  how  unsearchable  are  his 
judgments,  and  his  ways  past  finding  out !"  Why  has  the 
Lord  bestowed  so  much  mercy  upon  me,  who  am  so  vile  and 
wretched.     Oh  !  why  me,  why  me  !" 


-# 


-iH^ 


CHAPTER   II. 
A.  D.   1810. 

Arrival  at  Sierra  Leone — Appointed  by  Mr.  Bickersteth  to  Regent's 
Town — Commencement  of  his  Labours — Opening  Prospects. 

The  Missionary  Register  of  1816,  at  p.  288,  contains  the  fol- 
lowing record  : — 

'  After  a  very  pleasant  passage,  Messrs.  Horton,  Johnson, 
During  and  Jost,  with  their  wives,  arrived  in  safety  at  Sierra 
Leone  on  the  27th  April.  Mr.  Bickersteth  was  then  absent 
on  his  visit  to  the  Society's  distant  settlements  :  and  they 
awaited  his  return,  for  the  appointment  of  their  situations." 

Mr,  Johnson  himself,  in  a  journal  which  accompanies  his 
first  letter  home,  gives  the  following  account  of  the  voyage  : — 

'  Sunday,  March  17,  1816.  Got  under  weigh  about  half- 
past  10  A.M.,  which  was  about  church-time — read  the  lessons 
of  the  day,  with  the  whole  of  the  Church  Service. 

'  Monday,  March  1 8.  Passed  Margate  and  Ramsgate — sent 
the  pilot  on  shore  at  Deal.  Having  fair  wind,  proceeded  down 
the  channel. 

'  Tuesday,  March  19.  The  wind  changed  about  11  o'clock 
last  night,  and  Ave  were  obliged  to  tack  about  all  night,  and 
about  11  A.M.  came  to  anchor  again  at  Deal.  The  females 
sufi^ered  very  much  by  sea-sickness,  and  we  were  deprived  of 
family  prayer,  which  made  us  all  very  unc.'omfortable,  but  I 
trust  we  were  not  deprived  of  private  communion  with  the 
Lord  Jesus. 

'  Wednesday,  March  20.  The  wind  being  favourable,  we 
sailed  again,  and  went  about  seven  or  eight  knots. 

'  Thursday,  March  21.  A  great  calm  about  ten  miles  from 
Brighton, 

'  Friday,  March   22.     About   10   o'clock    last   night,   Mrs. 


VOYAGE    TO    AFRICA.  2Y 

During  was  safely  delivered  of  a  fine  boy.  Here  I  cannot 
help  admiring  the  Providence  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  who  never 
slumbers  nor  sleeps,  for  during  the  whole  time  of  her  travail 
we  experienced  a  great  calm  ;  thus  all  the  females  were  able  to 
assist  her,  which  would  not  have  been  the  case  had  it  happened 
a  day  before.  The  wind  soon  after  arose  again,  and  became 
favourable.     Saw  the  Isle  of  Wight  at  the  stern  about  4  p.m. 

'  Saturday,  March  23.  Passed  the  Lizard  about  4  p.m. 
Sailed  with  a  fine  breeze  S.W.  by  W.  Once  more  will  I  look 
towards  that  happy  land  where  my  soul  found  the  Pearl  of 
great  price — the  Lord  Jesus.  Ah,  when  I  entered  Britain's 
shores,  I  was  as  destitute  of  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord  Jesus 
as  those  poor  benighted  heathen  who  at  this  present  moment 
worship  dumb  idols.  Oh  !  why  me  ?  why  me  ?  the  chief  of 
sinners  !     By  the  grace  of  God  I  am  what  I  am. 

*  Sunday,  March  24.  Divine  service  morning  and  even- 
ing— passengers  and  seamen  attended.  The  wind  is  still 
favourable. 

'  Monday,  March  25.  The  wind  continues  fair.  We  are 
now  in  the  Bay  of  Biscay.  The  Lord  has  favoured  us  hither- 
to with  fair  winds.  Oh  may  I  be  enabled  through  the  grace 
of  the  Lord  Jesus  to  raise  ray  Ebenezer ;  for  "  hitherto  hath 
the  Lord  helped  us,"  but  how  backward  in  private  devotion  1 
Mrs.  Johnson  very  sea-sick — not  able  to  get  up. 

'  Tuesday,  March  27.  Near  Madeira.  The  wind  has  hither- 
to continued  fair.     The  females  all  recovered  from  sea-sickness. 

'■Sunday,  March  31.  Divine  service  morning  and  even- 
ing— distributed  tracts  amongst  passengers  and  seamen,  and 
had  the  happiness  to  see  some  sitting  on  deck  and  reading  the 
tracts. 

'  Tuesday,  April  2.  Near  the  Canary  Isles ;  making  to- 
wards Teneriffe  now,  and  expect  to  be  there  to-morrow  if  the 
present  wind  continues. 

'  Wednesday,  Aj^ril  3.  Teneriffe  in  sight,  but  the  wind  not 
favourable  to  go  to  Santa  Cruz. 

'  Thursday,  April  4.     Came  to  anchor  at  Santa  Cruz  about 


28  MEMOIR    OF   JOHNSON. 

6  P.M.  Received  permission  to  go  on  shore,  after  being  exa- 
mined whether  health)'.  Accordingly,  next  day  went  on  shore 
about  11  A.M.,  and  soon  were  surrounded  by  the  natives, 
covered  with  rags,  and  some  almost  naked,  begging  for  relief. 
We  gave  to  some  a  trifle,  which  soon  proved  very  disagreeable 
to  us,  for  the  crowd  increased  so  much  that  we  were  obliged  to 
separate  from  each  other.  I  never  saw  so  many  poor  starving 
creatures  in  my  life ;  but,  on  tlie  other  hand,  I  beheld  with 
grief,  many  well-fed  priests.  Santa  Cruz  is  a  poor  place,  but 
no  wonder,  for  Popery  is  carried  on  to  the  uttermost. 

'  Tuesday,  April  9.  Got  under  weigh  early  in  the  morning 
with  a  fair  breeze.  Saw  the  peak  of  Teneriflfe  about  4  p.m., 
84  miles  off. 

'■Saturday,  April  13.  In  the  evening  some  passengers 
were  playing  cards  on  deck.  The  captain  told  them  that  he 
had  informed  them  before  that  he  never  allowed  any  cards  on 
board,  and  desired  that  the  cards  might  be  put  away.  This 
did  not  a  little  disturb  their  minds,  and  they  made  many  ob- 
jections, and  hinted  that  it  was  through  the  Missionary  that 
they  were  not  allowed  to  play  cards,  and  said  that  it  was 
nothing  but  weakness  of  mind,  &c.,  and  they  would  have 
nothing  to  do  with  such  religion. 

'  Sunday,  April  14.  We  had  Divine  service  morning  and 
evening;  all  the  seamen  attended,  but  not  the  other  passen- 
gers. Mr.  H read  a  sermon  in  the  morning.  In  the  eve- 
ning the  captain  desired  that  prayers  only  should  be  read,  the 
seamen  having  had  not  much  rest  the  night  previous.  Accord- 
ingly, we  read  the  Church-service,  but  my  mind  was  much  agi- 
tated at  seeing  so  many  poor  sailors,  and  that  they  should 
retire  again  without  being  spoken  to.  Trembling,  I  begged 
leave  to  speak  a  few  words,  and  I  discharged  my  heavy  heart 
and  spoke  a  few  words  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  &c.  But  I  was  sur- 
prised to  hear  that  it  had  not  met  with  the  approbation  of  one 
by  whom  I  least  expected  to  be  opposed,  and  I  was  told  that  I 
had  taken  too  much  liberty,  and  that  it  might  give  offence  to 
the  captain,  &c.     I  answered  that  I  had  done  nothing  else 


VOYAGE    TO    AFRICA.  29 

but  discharge  my  heart,  and  had  spoken  of  the  Lord  Jesus  ; 
and  that  I  2")rayed  the  Lord  might  forgive  those  who  were 
against  it. 

'■  Momkn/,  April  15.  Saw  the  coast  of  Africa  about  11  A. 
M.  iu  Lat.  16°  50'  N.,  according  to  the  Latitude,  about  50  miles 
from  Senegah  Sailed  along  shore  until  7  p.  m.,  and  went  to 
anchor  in  about  ten  fathoms  of  water,  about  fifteen  miles  from 
Senegal.  The  coast  appears  very  barren  and  sandy,  not  a 
house  to  be  seen.  AVe  saw  only  three  natives  running  along 
the  shore  in  the  s])ace  of  fifty  miles. 

'  Tuesday,  April  16.  Got  under  wdgh  again  a  little  after 
6  A.  M.  Passed  Senegal  about  8  and  came  to  anchor  about  9 
A.  M.  Fired  a  gun,  and  hoisted  the  English  colours,  after 
which  many  canoes  made  their  appearance.  We  found  that 
no  boats  can  go  on  shore,  in  consequence  of  the  waves  which 
beat  so  vehemently  against  the  beach.  When  a  canoe  upsets, 
the  natives  swim  around  it  and  turn  it  over  again,  bale  the 
water  out,  and  get  into  it  again.  This  is  so  common  that  they 
take  no  further  notice  when  a  canoe  upsets.  I  had  much 
head-ache  this  day. 

'  Wednesday,  April  17.  Sailed  again  about  4  p.  m.,  with  a 
strong  N.  breeze. 

'  A  seaman  came  to  me  on  deck  and  said  that  he  must  ask 
me  a  question,  if  I  would  not  be  ofiended.  I  replied  I  would 
not.  He  then  asked  if  I  had  not  spoken  to  him  in  particular 
on  Sunday  evening  ?  If  the  captain  had  not  been  present,  he 
would  have  spoken  to  me  at  that  time.  I  replied  that  I  had 
not  spoken  to  him  in  particular,  but  to  all  that  were  present. 
Business  called  him  away  and  I  could  not  continue  the  dis- 
course. May  God  the  Holy  Spirit  convince  him  of  sin,  and 
lead  him  to  the  Lamb  of  God,  which  taketh  away  the  sins  of 
the  world. 

'  Thursday,  A2)ril  18.  Saw  the  Cape  Verde  about  10  a.  m., 
and  came  to  anchor  at  Goree  about  3  p.  m.  Mrs.  Johnson  very 
sea-sick,  which  brought  on  pain  in  her  right  side. 

'  Friday,  Apiril  19.     Went  on  shore  to  see  Mr.  IL,  at  Goree, 


30  MEMOIR    OF    .TOllNSOV. 

who  is  going  on  well,  and  lias  about  ninety-three  children  in 
school. 

'  Saliirdai/,  April  20.  Mrs.  Johnson  very  ill — pain  in  her 
side.     May  the  Lord.  Jesus  send  deliverance  from  on  high. 

'  Simdai/,  April  21.  On  board  all  day.  Not  comfoitable  in 
consequence  of  beinj^  deprived  of  divine  worship ;  the  seamen 
were  oblio-ed  to  work  all  day. 

'Mrs.  Johnson  dangerously  ill — the  doctor  begins  to  doubt. 
Oh  may  the  Lord  Jesus,  wiio  is  a  prayer-hearing  and  a  prayer- 
answering  God,  and  who  has  said,  "  Call  upon  me  in  the  day 
of  trouble,  I  will  deliver  thee,  and  thou  shalt  glorify  me,"  may 
He  deliver  us  this  day. 

'  Prayer-meeting  this  afternoon  amongst  ourselves — experi- 
enced the  presence  of  the  Lord  Jesus. 

'  I  cannot  help  remarking  that  many  people  in  Goree  have 
discouraged  us  concerning  the  climate  in  Sierra  Leone,  and. 
which  brought  me  very  low;  but  all  doubts  and  fears  have 
been  removed  by  reading  Acts  xx.,  and  especially  verses  23 
and  24. 

^  Mondaj/,  April  22.  Got  under  weigh  again  this  morning 
about  10  o'clock.  Captain  Rowe  went  on  shore  early  to  settle 
some  business,  and  left  the  mate  to  heave  anchor,  wlien  through 
carelessness  we  were  brought  into  great  danger :  the  ship  got 
so  close  to  the  rocks,  that  it  was  almost  impossible  to  get  clear 
without  being  dashed  against  them.  However  the  Lord  sent 
deliverance  from  on  high,  and  we  escaped;  which  was  almost 
a  wonder  to  the  inhabitants,  who  had  come  to  the  shore  to  be- 
hold the  event.  When  Captain  Rowe  came  on  board,  he 
trembled  very  much,  and  it  was  some  time  before  he  could 
recover  liimself.  The  Lord  Jesus  be  praised  for  his  merciful 
deliverance. 

'  Tuesday,  April  23.  Mrs.  Johnson  is  recovering.  Oh  !  the 
Lord  Jesus  is  faithful  to  his  })romises.  He  has  again  heard 
and  answered  my  imperfect  petitions.  Oh !  why  me,  the  chief 
of  sinners?  "  131ess  the  Lord,  0  my  soul,  and  forget  not  all  his 
benefits." 


ARRIVAL    AT    SIERRA    LEONE.  31 

^Friday,  April  26.  Tin's  day  has  proved  to  be  the  wannest 
since  we  left  England.  The  thermometer  was  at  C  a.  m.,  78°, 
and  at  noon,  91°. 

'  Monday,  April  29.     Very  Avarm  during"  the  night — almost 
suffocating.     Latitude  at  noon  8°  33'  N,  Long.  13°  18'.     Ac- 
cording to  the  Lat.  and  Long,  we  are  about  forty  miles  from 
'  the  river  Sierra  Leone.     Saw  land  about  2  p.  m.,  bearing  East. 
Anchored  about  8  p.  m.,  before  the  river  Sierra  Leone. 

'  Tuesday,  April  30.  A  heavy  tornado  during  the  night. 
Got  under  weigh  about  8  a.  m.,  but  the  current,  being  against 
us,  anchored  again  about  11  a.  m.,  waiting  for  the  sea-breeze 
and  return  of  current,  Avhich  happened  a  little  after  12  o'clock, 
when  we  got  under  weigh  again. 

'  Sierra  Leone  has  a  beautiful  appearance.  A  boat  came  off 
with  three  gentlemen,  who  offered  us  a  passage  on  shore.  Ac- 
cordingly we  went,  (leaving  the  females  on  board)  and  were 
cordially  received  by  Messrs.  Davis  and  Wenzel. 

'  Returned  on  board  again  about  V  p.  m.  Messrs.  Wenzel 
and  Davis  accompanied  us,  and  after  evening  prayer,  returned 
on  sliore  again. 

'  Thus  far  the  Lord  has  helped  us,  and  has  favoured  us  with 
a  pleasant  and  speedy  voyage.  O  !  that  He  would  Avrite  grati- 
tude upon  our  hearts,  and  make  us  truly  thankful.  Ah  I  how 
cold  and  indifferent  about  spiritual  things — "  Oh  !  wretched 
man  that  I  am  ;" — Lord  Jesus,  send  down  thy  Holy  Spirit,  and 
shed  abroad  thy  saving  love  into  my  cold  heart. 

'  Wednesday,  May  1,  1816.  Mr.  Wenzel  came  again  this 
morning  before  breakfast,  and  took  us  on  shore.  Li  the  after- 
noon we  got  some  of  our  things  landed. 

'  W.  Johnson.' 

Mr.  Bickersteth  had  preceded  Mr.  Johnson,  in  his  visit  to 
West  Africa,  about  six  weeks ;  and  had  nearly  completed  his 
survey  of  the  mission  before  Mr.  Johnson  landed.  He  was  not 
long  in  discerning  the  value  of  a  man  of  so  kindred  a  spirit  to 
his  own.     "  I  am  much  pleased,"  he  wrote,  "  with  what  I  have 


82  MEMQIR    OF   JOHNSON. 

seen  in  !Mr.  Jolinson  ;  there  seems  a  deadness  to  the  workl, 
and  a  devotion  of  heart  to  the  cause,  which  are  likely  to  make 
him  a  blessing  where  God's  providence  shall  place  him."  Mr. 
Bickerstcth  first  made  use  of  him  at  Yongroo,  to  introduce  the 
national  system  of  education  there  ;  but  indicated  llogbrook, 
afterwards  called  "  Kegent's  Town,"  as  his  ultimate  destina- 
tion.' * 

Mr.  Johnson's  journal  thus  proceeds  : — 

'  Thursdatj,  May  2,  181G.  Mr.  Bickersteth  returned  with 
Mr.  Nylander  from  the  Bullom  shore  this  evening. 

'  May  3.  Mr.  Bickersteth  pointed  out  our  destinations  to  us. 
Messrs.  Ilorton  and  During  to  Leicester  Mountain.  Mr.  Jost 
to  the  Bullom  settlement,  and  he  informed  me  that  I  was  most 
likely  to  proceed  to  Rio  Pongas.  My  mind  is  much  distressed. 
I  do  not  feel  at  all  inclined  to  go  to  the  Rio  Pongas.  The 
Lord's  will  be  done.  He  has  brought  me  here,  and  no  doubt 
has  some  Avork  for  me.  "  I  will  bring  the  blind  by  a  way 
which  they  know  not,  &c."  Mr.  Bickersteth  also  told  me  that 
I  had  better  go  with  Mr.  Nylander  for  the  present,  until  Mrs. 
Jost,  who  was  near  her  confinement,  was  able  to  go  to  Bullom. 

May  4.  This  morning  early,  Mr.  Bickersteth,  Mr.  Nylander, 
and  myself,  went  in  a  canoe  to  the  Bullom  sliore,  leaving  Mrs. 
Johnson  in  Sierra  Leone. 

'  May  5.  Sunday.  Mr.  Bickersteth  preached  morning  and 
evening.  I  did  not  feel  comfortable,  and  am  still  very  uneasy. 
This  is  not  the  place  where  God  has  sent  me.  My  heart  is  full, 
but  I  cannot  disclose  it.  Oh,  may  the  Lord  Jesus  draw  nigh 
to  me.     May  he  enable  us  to  tell  him  all. 

'  May  6.  Kept  school  to-day — the  boys  are  more  forward 
and  active — the  girls  are  very  stupid  and  slow.  Began  Bell's 
system  of  education. 

'I  was  permitted  by  Mr.  Bickersteth  on  the  10th  to  go  to 
Sierra  Leone  in  a  canoe,  and  fetch  Mrs.  Johnson  over. 

'About  the  16th  of  May,  Mr.  Bickersteth  went  with  Mr. 
Nylander  to  Sierra  Leone,  when  all  the  Missionaries  met.     I 


SETTLEMENT    IN    AFRICA,  33 

was  informed  by  Mr.  Nylander,  who  returned  on  the  22nd,  that 
I  was  appointed  by  the  meeting  for  Hogbrook,  now  called 
Regent's  Town.  When  Mr.  Nylander  mentioned  the  result' of 
the  meeting  to  me,  I  cannot  express  what  my  heart  felt  that 
moment.  ''  I  will  bring  the  blind  by  the  way  they  know  not, 
&c.,"  entered  immediately  into  my  mind,  and  I  was  in  some 
measure  fully  convinced  that  that  was  the  place  which  the  Lord 
had  appointed  for  me.  Mr.  Nylander  informed  me  also  how 
many  negroes  there  were  at  that  place,  which  gave  me  great 
jo3%  notwithstanding  the  misery  he  also  pointed  out  which 
they  were  in.  I  was  fully  convinced  that  if  God  the  Holy 
Spirit  stopped  them,  as  it  were,  in  their  mad  career,  although, 
some  of  the  wildest  cannibals  in  Africa,  they  cannot  any  longer 
resist. 

'■May  23.  AVent  with  Mr.  Nylander  and  Mrs.  Johnson  to 
Sierra  Leone,  to  have  a  farewell  meeting  with  Mr.  Bickersteth. 

'■May  24.     Returned  again  to  the  BuUom  settlement. 

'•June  7.     Mr.  Bickersteth  sailed  in  the  "Echo"  to-day.' 

'    Mr.  Johnson  writes  thus  to  the  Rev.  Josiah  Pratt : — 

'Yongroo  pomoh,  May  29tli,  1816. 
'  Rev.  and  dear  Sir, 
'  I  agreed  with  my  other  friends  to  send  you  a  general  jour- 
nal, but  having  no  opportunity  to  communicate  with  them  on 
this  behalf,  I  take  the  liberty  to  transmit  to  you  my  journal. 
I  have  omitted  several  occurrences  which  were  of  no  importance, 
and  have  been  as  brief  as  possible,  lest  I  should  become 
tedious. 

'I  am  here  at  Yongroo  to  introduce  Bell's  system  of  educa- 
tion, and  I  am  happy  to  say  that  the  children  are  more  active, 
and  capable  of  comprehension,  than  I  expected. 

'  The  school  is  now  in  order,  divided  into  four  classes  :  and 
reading  and  spelling,  (fee.  according  to  the  rules  of  Di*.  Bell's 
system  of  education. 

'  As  soon  as  Mis.  Jost  is  able  to  come  over,  I  shall  go  over 


34  MEMOIR    OF    JOHXSOX. 

to  Hogbrook,  where  1500  recaptured  slaves  wait  for  instruction. 
Oh  !  may  the  Lord  go  witli  me,  and  make  me  useful  among 
them.  May  his  grace  be  sutticient  for  me,  and  his  strength  bo 
made  perfect  in  me,  a  poor  weak  worm.  Sometimes  I  think  I 
shall  be  of  no  use  amongst  so  wild  a  race  as  that  at  Hogbrook. 

'  But  why  should  I  doubt  ?  With  God  nothing  is  impossible 
— a  heart  as  hard  as  a  rock — yea  the  wildest  savage  in  the 
deserts  of  Africa,  if  stopped  by  the  grace  of  God,  must  sur- 
render. 

'  Well,  then,  I  will  go  in  the  strength  of  the  Lord — I  will 
teach  them  to  read,  and  tell  them  of  Jesus.  Oh  !  may  God  the 
Holy  Spirit  give  the  increase,  and  he  shall  have  all  the  praise, 
the  honor  and  the  glory. 

'  It  has  been,  and  is  now,  my  desire  to  teach  adults  as  well 
as  children.  I  shall  therefore  try,  if  possible,  to  teach  both ; 
may  God  enable  me  to  perform  it. 

'  Mr.  Bickersteth  will  explain  to  you  more  particularly  the 
state  and  situation  of  Hogbrook. 

'  Mrs.  Johnson  enjoys  good  health  at  present ;  blessed  be  the 
Lord  Jesus  for  his  goodness  and  mercy,  which  he  daily  bestows 
upon  us  poor  sinners. 

'  Pardon  my  infirmities,  and  believe  me  to  remain,  dear  Sir, 
your  most  humble  servant, 

'  W.  Johnson.' 

'  N.  B.  Yesterday,  two  natives  came  before  the  school  while 
the  children  were  reading  and  spelling,  standing  in  classes.  I 
went  to  them,  pointing  to  the  classes,  and  told  them  what  a 
blessing  it  was  to  read  God's  book.  One  replied,  "  Me  wish  to 
learn  book,  me  know  nothing."  I  told  him  if  he  would  come 
to  me,  I  would  teacb  him  to  read  God's  book,  and  lie  told  me 
he  would  come  at  7  o'clock  in  the  evening.  Accordingly,  three 
men  came  last  night  to  learn  book,  as  they  call  it ;  they  learned 
four  letters,  and  I  gave  them  four  more  to  learn  to-day  ;  they 
stayed  with  us  till  after  evening  prayer,  and  tlien  they  went 
home.     This  morning,  before  6  o'clock,  when  I  got  up  and 


SETTLEMENT    AT    REGENt's   TOWN.  85 

opened  the  door,  they  were  in  the  yard  again,  and  had  another 
man  with  them  ;  they  told  me  they  would  come  every  morning 
from  6  till  7  also,  to  learn  book  if  I  would  teach  them  ;  I  told 
them  that  I  should  be  very  glad  to  teach  them,  and  that  they 
should  bring  more  with  them,  I  would  teach  them  all  to  read 
God's  book  ;  or  if  they  could  not  come  to  me,  I  would  come  to 
them,  which  they  refused,  and  said  that  they  would  come  to 
me  if  I  would  but  teach  them  ;  they  learned  four  letters  more 
and  stayed  till  morning  prayer,  after  which  I  had  the  happi- 
ness to  see  them  sit  down  and  teach  one  another.  May  the 
Lord  give  the  poor  Africans  a  desire  to  learn  to  read  his  holy 

word. 

'  W.  Johnson.' 

Mr.  Johnson's  journal  carries  us  on  through  the  following 
month. 

'■June  10.  "Went  with  Mr.  Nylander  to  Sierra  Leone,  where 
I  found  two  letters  for  me,  one  from  Mr.  Bickersteth,  and  the 
other  from  Mr.  Butscher,  in  which  I  Avas  requested  to  proceed 
to  Hogbrook,  (Regent's  Town)  as  soon  as  possible.  This  was 
welcome  news  to  me.  I  waited  on  the  Governor,  who  was 
very  desirous  that  I  should  take  charge  of  Regent's  Town  the 
following  day, 

''June  11.  Mr.  Jost,  being  very  desirous  to  see  his  destina- 
tion, went  with  Mr.  Nylander  and  me  to-  the  Bullom  settle- 
ment. 

'■June  13.  Returned  with  Mr.  Jost  and  Mrs.  Johnson  to 
Sierra  Leone  in  a  canoe,  about  10  p.m.,  taking  our  things  with 
us.  The  Avind  unfortunately  changed ;  and  we  had  to  go 
against  wind  and  current,  which  made  it  very  late.  About 
sunset  we  ran  upon  a  rock,  and  were  in  great  danger  for 
several  minutes  ;  however,  we  got  off  safe,  but  the  canoe  had 
received  damage,  and  we  were  obliged  to  bale  out  the  water 
continually.  Li  this  condition  we  reached  Sierra  Leone  about 
8  P.M.  Mrs.  Johnson  was  very  ill  from  the  fright.  Glory  be 
to  the  Lord  Jesus  for  his  merciful  deliverance. 


36  MEMOIR    Of    JOHNSON. 

'■June  14.  Waited  on  the  Governor,  \s  ho  whs  desiiuus  that  I 
should  go  to-day  to  Reiront's  Town  to  see  a  house  whicli  he  had 
bought  for  nie,  until  another  might  be  built.  Accordingly,  a 
gentleman.  Mr.  liuti'ell,  accompanied  me  to  show  me  the  place. 
But,  oh,  how  have  I  been  cast  down  this  day — if  I  ever  have 
seen  wretchedness,  it  has  been  to-day  !  I  was  told  that  six  or 
seven  died  in  one  day.  These  poor  people  may  indeed  be 
called  the  oft-scourings  of  Africa.  'But  shall  I  des})air  now? 
No.  The  first  shall  be  last,  and  the  last  shall  be  first.  Who 
knows  whether  the  Lord  will  not  make  his  converting  power 
known  among  these  poor  depraved  people.  W'itli  him  nothing 
is  impossible.  Let  me  go  then  and  tell  them  of  Jesus.  Uis 
grace  is  sufficient  for  the  vilest  of  the  vile,  for  the  chief  of 
sinners.  Yes,  it  is  sufficient  for  the  vilest  cannibal.  There  are 
a  very  few  of  these  poor  people  who  can  speak  broken  English, 
the  greatest  part  have  lately  arrived  from  slave-vessels,  and  are 
in  the  most  deplorable  condition,  chiefly  afflicted  with  the 
dropsical  complaint.  To  describe  the  misery  of  Regent's  Town 
would  indeed  be  impossible.  Oh,  may  the  Lord  hold  me  up, 
and  I  shall  be  safe  under  these  difficulties  which  are  apparently 
before  me. 

'  June  18.  Came  this  day  with  ilr.  Hirst  to  Regent's  Town. 
Mr.  H.  delivered  to  me  the  stores  and  a  register  of  the  people, 
which,  however,  I  am  sorry  to  say,  is  in  the  greatest  confusion. 
On  the  whole,  it  appears  that  no  order  has  been  exercised ; 
some  have  received  rations,  and  some  have  not,  for  some  time, 
and  are  actually  in  a  state  of  starvation. 

''June  19.  Mr.  H.  left  me  this  day.  I  have  spent  a  very 
disagreeable  night.  It  rained  very  much,  and  the  hut  I  am  in 
is  not  waterproof.  I  was  obliged  to  sleep  on  the  ground,  and 
only  covered  with  a  blanket.' 

At  this  date  he  wrote  as  follows  to  the  Rev.  J.  Pratt : 

'Sierra  Leone,  June  18,  1816. 
*  Rev.  and  dear  Sir, 

' The  Rev.  E.  Bickersteth  went  in  the  Echo  fi'om  heie  on  the 
^tb  inst.,  but  the  Echo  is  first  going  to  the  West  Indies,  and 


SETTLEMENT    AT    REGENt's    TOWN,  87- 

from  thence  to  England ;  so  that  most  hkely  the  vessel  now  ready 
for  sailing  will  arrive  before  the  Echo. 

'  I  arrived  here  with  my  wife  from  the  Bullom  settlement 
( YongrocT  pomoh)  on  Thursday,  the  13tli  Inst.  Our  parting 
with  dear  Mr.  Nylander  was  very  affectionate  ;  I  must  say  that 
it  has  been  good  for  me  to  be  with  him,  or  in  his  company. 
May  the  Lord  bless  all  his  imdertakings,  and  strengthen  him 
both  in  body  and  soul. 

'I  have  been  at  Yongroo  six  weeks,  and  am  happy  to  say 
that  the  children  in  that  school  are  willing  to  learn  and  to 
work ;  as  I  have  stated  already  in  my  letter,  sent  with  the  Rev. 
E.  Bickersteth.  I  likewise  stated  that  a  few  young  men  from 
Yongroo  had  come  to  learn  book,  but  I  am  sorry  to  say  that 
they  only  continued  a  few  days :  the  rains  which  have  set  iu 
was  one  thing  which  prevented  them  from  continuing.  Mr. 
Nylander  intends  to  build  a  house  in  Yongroo  as  soon  as 
possible,  which  will  open  a  door  to' teach  both  adults  and  child- 
ren at  that  place. 

'  I  have  been  up  to  Hogbrook  last  Friday,  and  I  am  going 
again  to-day  to  stay  there,  and  forward  the  buildings.  My 
wife  remains  here  until  the  house  is  finished. 

'  I  hope  I  shall  be  enabled,  by  the  help  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  to 
give  you  a  more  particular  account  of  Hogbrook  in  my  next. 
It  is,  by  all  appearance,  what  I  may  call  a  complete  wilderness. 
But  God  says,  "  that  in  the  wilderness  shall  waters  break  out, 
and  streams  in  the  desert ;  and  the  parched  ground  sh(4l  become 
a  pool,  and  the  thirsty  land,  springs  of  water,"  &c.  Oh  !  may 
the  Lord  fulfil  his  promises  on  poor  benighted  Africa;  and 
may  the  happy  time  soon  come  when  the  earth  shall  be  full  of 
the  knowledge  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  as  the  waters  cover  the  sea. 

'  Mr.  Horton  has  been  dangerously  ill  with  the  fever,  but  is 
now  recovering.  All  our  other  friends,  as  far  as'  I  know,  are 
all  well.  Glory  be  to  the  Lord  Jesus  for  all  his  mercies  and 
benefits  towards  us  poor  guilty  sinners.     I  remain, 

Rev.  and  dear  Sir,  your  most  unworthy,  &c., 

'W.  Johnson.' 
3 


88  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNBOX. 

Very  soon  Mr.  Johnson  was  called  to  witness  the  dire  effects 
of  the  climate,  in  the  death  of  one  of  the  missionaries  who  had 
come  out  to  Africa  with  him.  He  thus  writes  to  the  parent  of 
the  wife  of  the  deceased  : — 

'Sierra  Leone,  July  1,  1816, 
*  Dear  Sir, 
*  With  grief  I  take  the  pen  to  inform  you  that  dear  brother 
Jost  is  no  more  in  the  flesh.  On  the  19th  of  June  he  was 
taken  ill  with  the  fever,  and  on  the  28th  of  June,  at  nine 
o'clock  in  the  morning  he  breathed  his  last.  I  received  a  letter 
from  Mrs.  Jost  on  the  24th  of  June,  in  which  she  informed  me 
that  he  had  been  senseless  for  two  days  ;  accordingly  I  went 
immediately,  on  foot,  through  the  mountains,  and  arrived  at 
eight  o'clock  in  the  evening  at  Sierra  Leone,  and  was  happy  to 
find  Mr.  Jost  a  little  better.  I  talked  with  him  concerning  the 
state  of  his  soul.  He  said  he  was  afraid  that  Jesus  was  not 
his  Saviour.  I  asked  if  he  was  a  sinner ;  he  replied,  "  Yes,  yes, 
I  am  a  great  sinner."  Well,  said  I,  "Jesus  came  into  the 
world  to  save  sinners  :"  and  he  exclaimed,  "  Oh  !  precious  Sa- 
viour, precious  Saviour."  This  was  the  last  conversation  I  had 
■with  him  on  that  head.  The  same  night  he  was  again  taken 
with  the  fever,  which  brought  him  again  into  a  state  of  insen- 
sibility. The  following  day  business  called  me  away  again  to 
Hogbrook.  I  called  at  Mr.  Diiring's  at  Leicester  Mountain, 
and  begged  him  to  go  down  and  sit  up  with  him,  which  he  did 
immediately.  The  following  day  I  went  down  again  and 
found  him  a  little  better.  Mr.  Davis,  the  Methodist  preacher, 
came  and  asked  him,  if  Jesus  was  precious  to  his  soul?  He 
replied,  stammering,  "  Very  precious,  very  precious  ! "  The 
fever  increased  again,  and  he  became  almost  speechless.  The 
night  before  he  died  your  daughter  asked  him  if  he  knew  her, 
and  he  replied,  "you — are — Mary — Jost."  I  asked  him  like- 
wise, and  he  answered,  "  William — John — son."  I  stayed 
■with  him  two  nights,  and  gave  him  medicine  every  half  hour; 
but  all  -was  in  vain.     On  Friday  morning  at  nine  o'clock,  he 


SETTLEMENT    AT    REGEN'T  S    TOWK.  39 

fell  sweetly  asleep  in  Jesus  without  a  struggle,  and  I  closed  his 
eyes  in  death. 

'  Thus  I  have  given  you,  dear  Sir,  a  brief  account  of  the 
death  of  your  dear  son  and  my  dear  brother.  Who  would 
have  supposed  that  he,  the  strongest  of  us  all,  should  have  been 
the  first  of  us  all  to  depart  ?  Ah,  who  knows  who  may  be  the 
next? 

'  Your  daughter  is  still  in  great  distress  ;  but  in  general  she 
has  borne  it  better  than  one  would  suppose.  Blessed  be  the 
Lord  Jesus,  who  always  comforts  his  people  in  the  day  of 
trouble. 

'  Your  daughter  has  thrown  herself  upon  the  protection  of 
Mr.  Butscher,  who  will  certainly  be  careful  that  all  things  go 
right. 

'  Your  daughter  intends  to  go  home  in  about  three  weeks' 
time,  with  her  little  son,  who  is  very  well,  in  a  ship  which  leaves 
this  place  in  about  three  weeks'  time ;  and  the  captain  who 
came  with  us  in  one  ship,  and  has  since  brought  this  vessel, 
and  intends  to  sail  in  three  weeks'  time,  will  afford  her  a  pas- 
sage. You  will  therefore  have  the  pleasure,  shortly  after  you 
have  received  this  letter,  to  see  your  daughter  again,  who  will 
be  enabled  to  give  you  a  more  perfect  account  of  all.  Remem- 
ber me  to  all.  My  wife  sends  her  love  to  all.  Your  weeping 
daughter  sends  her  love.  Write  again ;  and  forget  not,  dear 
Sir,  your  true  and  affectionate  friend, 

'  W.  Johnson.' 

The  journal  now  proceeds  as  follows  : — 

'  Sunday,  July  14,  1816.  Family  prayer  between  five  and 
six  o'clock,  A.M. — the  house  full.  Opened  worship  by  singing 
a  hymn  (of  which  the  natives  are  very  fond) ;  read  and  explain- 
ed the  latter  part  of  the  46th  chapter  of  Jeremiah ;  sung  an- 
other hymn  and  concluded  with  prayer. 

'•Eight  o'clock.  Three  women  came  and  stood  by  the  door, 
I  asked  what  they  wanted.  They  replied  that  they  wanted  to 
learn  book.  I  gave  them  three  alphabet  cards,  and  they 
received  instruction  until  nine  o'clock. 


40  MEMOIR    OF    JOHKSOX. 

'  Ten  o'clock.  Divine  Service.  Opened  worship  by  singing 
a  hymn  ;  read  the  Church  Service ;  sung  a  hymn ;  prayed  ; 
explained  the  18th  chapter  of  the  gospel  according  to  St.  John. 
Spoke  on  the  sutierings  of  Christ,  the  fall  of  man,  and  the  neces- 
sity of  his  sufferings;  concluded  with  singing  a  hymn  and  prayer. 
The  whole  house,  piazza  and  windows  full :  some  were  obliged 
to  stand  in  the  yard.  Oh  may  God  the  Holy  Spirit  own  his 
word,  and  bless  the  few  imperfect  remarks  which  have  been  made. 
'  Three  o'clock,  p.m.  Divine  Service  as  before.  Spoke  on 
Acts  ii.  36 — 38.     The  house,  piazza,  &c.  full  again. 

'  After  service  I  went  with  George  Lancaster  to  a  neighbour- 
ing village  (Bassy  Town)  in  order  to  explain  the  Scripture  to 
them ;  but  we  were  overtaken  by  a  heavy  rain  while  going. 
However,  Ave  went ;  and  I  spoke  a  few  words  to  some  women 
who  Avere  sitting  under  the  shade  of  an  open  house,  through 
an  interpreter,  but  was  prevented  from  going  on  by  the  heavy 
rains.  AVhilst  going  along  the  road,  I  saw  a  man  cutting 
wood ;  reproved  him  for  Sabbath-breaking,  (fee. 

'  Went  home  to  change  clothing.  Seven  o'clock,  divine  ser- 
vice again  as  usual.  Read  and  explained  the  first  seven  verses 
of  the  14th  chapter  of  Acts,  the  whole  house  being  full  again  ; 
some  standing  outside.  May  God  the  Holy  Spirit  give  the 
increase. 

'  Monday,  July  15.  Day-break — family  prayer  as  usual ; 
the  house  full.  Read  and  explained  the  4th  chapter  of  the  gos- 
pel according  to  St.  John.  After  fjimily  prayer,  many  people 
assembled  for  clothing,  which  the  Governor  had  sent  me  to 
give  them  as  an  encouragement  to  attend  to  fixrms.  I  gave  to 
some ;  but  being  not  well  acquainted  with  them,  I  told  them 
that  I  would  come  and  see  them  at  their  respective  farms,  and 
give  them  according  to  their  industry. 

'  Nine  o'clock  : — rung  the  bell  for  school,  as  I  had  informed 
the  people  yesterday ;  when  ninety  boys,  besides  girls,  made 
their  appearance.  I  formed  them  into  four  classes,  and  appoint- 
ed four  teachers  who  knew  the  alphabet,  aud  put  all  the  names 
down,  likewise  the  names  of  the  farmers ;  many  came  them- 


SETTLEMENT    AT    REGENt's    TOWN.  41 

selves  and  brought  their  boys  here.  At  the  same  time,  having 
people  at  work  to  clear  the  ground  and  burn  the  wood,  I  was 
obliged  to  go,  after  I  had  put  the  school  in  order,  and  look  after 
them  : — returned  and  discharged  the  school.  In  the  afternoon, 
many  people  came  to  talk  palaver ;  some  about  their  farms, 
and  some  about  clothing.  Others  came  to  learn  book,  &c.,  I 
told  them  that  I  would  open  school  at  six  o'clock,  as  I  had  told 
them  before.  Accordingly,  at  six  o'clock,  rung  the  bell  for 
adult  school,  when  thirty-one  men  and  twelve  women  made 
their  appearance.  Divided  them  in  four  classes,  and  appointed 
four  teachers. 

'  Eight  o'clock  : — rung  the  bell  for  family  prayer,  when  the 
pumber  increased,  and  we  were  under  the  necessity  of  going 
into  the  hall  to  keep  family  prayer.  Eead  and  explained  the 
eleventh  chapter  of  the  gospel  according  to  St.  Luke. 

'  May  God  the  Holy  Spirit  teach  me,  and  prepare  me  more 
and  more  for  the  great  and  important  work  I  am  now 
engaged  in.' 

At  this  period  he  again  wrote  to  Mr.  Pratt. 

'  Hogbrook,  (now  called  Regent's  Town,) 
'July  18th,  1816, 

'  Rev.  and  dear  Sir, 

'  In  haste  I  sit  down  to  write  these  few  lines  in  order  to 
acquaint  you  with  my  proceedings,  I  have  been  enabled  by  the 
help  of  God  to  open  schools  both  for  adults  and  children  last 
Monday,  the  15th  inst. 

'  Last  week  and  last  Sunday,  after  Divine  service,  I  made  it 
known  to  the  different  Black-settlers,  (some  live  about  one  mile 
from  here,)  who  have  the  children  under  their  care,  (some  have 
two,  three,  four  and  five  boys,)  to  send  them  on  Monday  when 
the  bell  (which  the  Governor  has  sent  last  week)  should  ring 
for  school.  Accordingly,  ninety  boys,  besides  girl's,  made  their 
appearance.  I  have  just  now  begun  school,  and  I  am  happy 
to  say  that  ninety-eight  boys  are  now  standing  in  eight  classes, 


42  MEMOIR    OF   JOHNSON. 

and  learning  the  alphabet;  two  are  absent.     I  have  a  hundred 
names  down. 

'  Glory  be  to  the  Lord  Jesus  who  has  given  me  plenty  of 
■work  to  do,  and  health  and  strength  to  do  it.  ^  shall  enclose 
a:  brief  journal  of  the  last  four  days,  which  will  give  you  some 
idea  of  my  situation. 

'  I  am  very  much  in  want  of  room.  I  have  fifty  boys 
under  the  piazza,  and  the  rest  under  a  shade,  which  is  likewise 
used  instead  of  a  hall,  and  my  wife  is  with  the  girls  in  the 
house. 

'  The  roof  of  the  Church  is  finished,  but  the  masons  and  car- 
penters are  at  work  inside ;  and  tell  me  that  it  will  be  two  or 
three  months  longer  before  it  is  finished.  As  soon  as  the 
Church  is  ready,  I  shall  keep  school  and  have  Divine  service 
in  it. 

*  I  wish  my  time  was  not  taken  up  so  much  with  stores  and 
cultivation.  I  would  go  after  school-time  to  the  neighbouring 
villages  and  teach  and  explain  the  word  of  God  to  them,  and 
in  so  doing  I  should  be  very  much  delighted.  There  are  about 
five  in  the  neighbourhood,  and  the  farthest  is  about  four  miles, 
from  here. 

'  It  has  been  said  that  it  would  be  of  no  use,  for  the  inhabi- 
tants of  these  villages  speak  almost  in  every  place  a  difterent 
language,  but  I  have  found  some  everywhere  who  understand 
English. 

'The  adults'  school  which  I  have  likewise  opened  on  Mon- 
day evening  consists  at  present  of  thirty-five  men  and  sixteen 
women,  and  as  soon  as  we  have  more  convenience,  I  have  no 
doubt  we  shall  have  plenty  more.  Though  people  will  say  that 
the  Africans  are  like  a  tornado,  which  comes  all  at  once  and  is 
soon  over;  nevertheless  the  Lord  Jesus  is  able  to  give  them  a 
desire  to  learn  to  read  his  Holy  Word,  and  if  he  gives  the  de- 
sire, it  certainly  will  continue. 

'  After  the  death  of  Mr.  Jost,  ray  wife  was  taken  ill  with  the 
fever,  but  through  the  blessing  of  God,  recovered  very  soon, 
and  is  now,  thank  God,  in  perfect  health. 


SETTLEMENT    AT    REGENt's    TOWN.  43 

*  It  rains  here  almost  continually,  and  considerably  more  than 
at  Sierra  Leone. 

'  I  came  here  before  this  house  (in  which  we  are  now)  was 
repaired,  and  was  obliged  to  sleep  on  the  ground,  covered  with 
a  blanket,  fourteen  nights  ;  sometimes  the  blanket  was  damp 
and  wet  in  the  morning,  but  blessed  be  God,  I  have  not  felt  the 
least  injury.  The  present  house  in  which  we  are  now  is  a  mud 
house,  (as  the  inhabitants  call  it,)  but  it  is  dry ;  and  as  soon 
as  the  Church  is  finished,  his  Excellency  the  Governor  has  been 
pleased  to  grant  that  a  house  shall  be  built  for  me  before  this 
present  one  is  broken  down. 

*  Pardon  my  infirmities,  and  believe  me, 

*  Dear  Sir, 

'  Your  most  humble  servant, 

*  W.  Johnson.' 

We  thus  find  Mr,  Johnson,  in  about  two  months  after  his 
landing,  settled  in  the  spot  where  the  remainder  of  his  life  was 
spent ;  and  which  he  was  enabled,  by  the  Divine  blessing,  so 
marvellously  to  change  into  a  "  garden  of  the  Lord." 

His  reports  to  the  Society  now  begm  to  assume  more  of  the 
furm  of  a  narrative,  for  reasons  which  he  himself  explains  : — 

'  Thus  far  I  kept  a  regular  journal,  but  now  my  labours  be- 
came so  great  that  I  had  scarcely  an  hour  to  myself  from  one 
Sunday  to  another.  More  captured  negroes  arrived  from  on 
board  ship,  and  I  had  soon  to  provide  for  a  thousand.  A  store- 
house having  been  finished,  I  was  obliged  to  send  the  people 
from  this  place  to  Freetown,  Avhich  is  five  miles,  under  a  guide, 
for  rice  every  day.  Had  also  to  issue  rice  for  this  number  of 
people  every  "Wednesday  and  Saturday,  without  any  assistance. 
Sometimes  I  was  on  the  point  of  giving  up  all ;  but  the  pros- 
pect of  bringing  them  to  a  crucified  Jesus,  enabled  me  to  en- 
dure. The  schools  also  increased ;  and  when  I  had  gained  a 
little  order,  and  G.  Lancaster  was  able  to  go  on,  he  died.  I 
was  then  again  without  assistance,  and  my  day-school  increased 
to  the  number  of  140  boys.     At  length  I  received  a  boy  from 


44  MEMOIR    OF   JOIIXSON, 

Sierra  Leone,  but  who  proved  to  be  of  no  use  whatever ;  he 
soon  left  me.  I  tried  several  more,  who  did  more  harm  than 
good.  Thus  I  was  obliged  to  endure  many  discouragements, 
but  still  my  encouragements  were  still  more.  Hearers  and 
scholars  increased  daily.  A  stone  church,  which  contains  about 
500  people,  was  then  building,  and  was  covered  in  about  Au- 
gust, 1816,  when  we  began  to  have  both  school  and  divine 
worship  in  it.  About  the  fourth  Sunday  I  had  the  great  plea- 
sure of  seeing  the  Church  nearly  full.  The  people  in  general 
became  more  industrious,  and  strove  to  get  clothing,  in  order 
to  come  clean  on  Sunday  to  church  ;  in  this  they  made  a  very 
rapid  progress. 

'Thus  I  went  on  speaking  morning  and  night,  and  on 
Sunday  three  times,  but  saw  no  fruit  of  conversion,  but  on  the 
contrary,  was  sometimes  much  discouraged  ;  for,  when  I  had 
done  speaking,  they  would  come  and  ask  me  for  clothing,  <fec., 
which  gave  me  reason  to  think  they  only  came  for  that  purpose. 

'  In  October^  1816,  one  evening  a  shinglemaker  (Joe  Thomp- 
son) followed  me  out  of  church,  and  desired  to  speak  to  me.  I 
was  in  some  measure  cast  down,  thinking  that  he  wished  to 
speak  to  me  for  clothing.  However,  with  astonishment,  I  found 
that  he  was  in  deep  distress  about  the  state  of  his  soul.  He 
said,  that  one  evening,  he  had  heard  me  ask  the  congregation, 
if  any  one  had  spent  five  minutes  in  prayer  that  day  to  Jesus, 
or  the  past  day,  week,  month,  or  ever  ?  He  was  so  struck  with 
it,  and  could  not  answer  the  question  for  himself.  He  had 
heard  the  present  and  future  state  of  the  wicked  explained.  He 
could  answer  nothing,  but  that  he  was  wicked  ;  after  that  all 
the  sins  which  he  had  ever  done  before,  had  entered  into  his 
mind.  He  had  tried  to  pray,  but  he  could  not — he  would 
therefore  ask  me  what  he  should  do  to  save  his  soul. 

'  What  I  felt  at  that  moment  is  inexpressible.  I  jwinted  him 
to  a  crucified*^ Jesus,  and  tears  ran  down  his  cheeks.  I  w^as 
obliged  to  leave  him,  for  I  could  scarce  contain  myself.  I  went 
home  and  thanked  God  for  having  heard  my  prayers. 

'The  following  week,  several  more  came  in  like  manner  to 


OPENING    PROSFKCTS.  45 

me,  which  removed  all  doubts  and  fears  at  once,  and  I  had  such 
an  assurance  that  God  had  sent  me  to  preach  the  unsearchable 
riches  of  Christ  to  the  Gentiles,  that  there  was  no  more  room 
left  for  me  to  doubt. 

'  I  went  and  related  the  circumstance  to  Mr.  Butscher  at  Lei- 
cester Mountain,  and  begged  him  to  come  and  baptize  them, 
which  he  did.  Twenty-one  adults,  one  boy  and  three  infants, 
captured  negroes,  Avere  baptized.  On  Saturday  evening  I  ex- 
amined them  one  by  one,  and  I  was  astonished  to  hear  in  what 
manifold  and  wondrous  ways  God  had  revealed  himself  to  these 
poor  people. 

'  Several  more  came  soon  after,  and  the  number  amounted  in 
January,  1817,  to  forty-one  communicants.' 

Mr.  Johnson  now  writes  to  the  Secretary,  as  follows : — 

'Regent's  Town,  Oct.  8th,  1816. 
'  Rev.  and  dear  Sir, 

'  No  doubt  you  will  have  received  my  last  by  Mrs.  Jost  be- 
fore this  time,  in  which  I  informed  you  of  our  arrival  here,  and 
of  our  opening  schools,  &c. 

'  I  am  very  happy  to  say  that  the  Lord  Jesus  has  been  with 
us,  and  has  crowned  our  labours  with  success.  If  I  am  right, 
I  informed  you  in  my  last  letter  that  we  were  keeping  Divine 
service  under  a  shade,  w^hich  was  likewise  used  instead  of  a 
hall.  This  place  was  soon  full,  and  we  were  obliged  to  have 
service  in  the  church,  even  before  the  floor  was  laid. 

'The  church  is  estimated  to  contain  about  500  people,  and  I 
am  very  happy  to  say  that  it  has  been  crowded  these  six  Sun- 
days past. 

'His  Excellency  the  Governor  M'Carthy,  and  four  gentlemen 
from  Sierra  Leone  were  present  last  Sunday  fortnight.  I  read 
the  Church  service,  and  spoke  on  1  Cor.  ii.  2,  "  Jesus  Christ 
and  him  crucified." 

'  1st.  "Who  is  Jesus  Christ  ? 

'  2nd.  What  has  Jesus  Christ  done  'i 
3* 


46  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

*  3rd,  What  is  Jesus  Christ  doing  now  ? 

'  4th.  What  is  Josus  Christ  going  to  do? 

'  Excuse  my  taking  the  liberty  of  preaching,  as  I  am  not 
sent  out  for  that  purpose,  nor  have  been  ordained  to  preach, 
and  have  no  ability — but  what  can  I  do  ?  My  heart  is  full ;  if 
I  were  to  hold  my  peace  the  stones  would  immediately  cry  out. 

'It  has  been  always  my  desire,  since  first  I  knew  it  in  my 
own  heart,  "  to  preach  the  unsearchable  riches  of  Christ"  to  the 
poor  benighted  heathen,  as  you  in  some  measure  know  your- 
selves. 

'  I  always  doubted  whether  the  Lord  had  called  me  to  the 
work,  but  I  have  every  reason  to  believe  that  he  has.  My 
prayers  have  been  answered  ;  he  has  not  oul}'  opened  a  way 
for  me,  but  lias  likewise  crowned  my  labours  with  success. 
Several  have  shown  through  their  conduct  and  conversation 
that  grace  has  been  begun  in  their  hearts  :  I  might  say  a  great 
deal  about  this. 

'  Saturday  evenings  we  have  a  private  prayer-meeting,  when 
we  likewise  tell  one  another  what  the  Lord,  has  done  for  our 
souls.  One  or  two  are  able  to  engage  in  prayer,  and  my  soul 
has  often  been  refreshed  when  I  have  heard  them  wrestle  with 
Jesus.  Believe  me,  dear  Sir,  that  I  have  experienced  moments 
here  in  this  desert,  which  I  cannot  express.  Yes !  moments 
when  I  forgot  that  I  still  was  in  the  flesh  ! 

'  Though  the  climate  is  very  unhealthy,  and  perhaps  the 
worst  in  the  world,  and  who  knows  but  I  may  have  only  a 
short  time  to  stay  here  ;  nevertheless,  I  shall  have  reason  to 
bless  God  throughout  eternity  for  sending  me  here. 

'  Excuse  me  for  saying  so  much  of  this  ;  but  while  I  am  writ- 
ing to  a  father  in  Christ,  I  take  more  liberty  than  I  should 
otherwise ;  at  the  same  time  I  am  fully  persuaded  that  it  will 
not  be  made  public,  except  it  be  thought  proper. 

"  I  cannot  help  admiring  the  Governor's  anxiety  to  do  good 
to  the  poor  Africans.  During  the  rainy  and  unhealthy  season 
his  Excellency  has  visited  us  once,  twice,  and  sometimes  three 
times  a  week. 


OPENING    PROSPECTS.  47 

'  One  of  the  gentlemen  (Mr.  Hockley,  Colonial  engineer)  ■who 
visited  us  last  Sunday  fortnight,  was  last  Wednesday  taken  ill, 
and  died  on  Friday.     I  heard  of  it  on  Saturday. 

'  Sunday  morning,  his  Excellency  carae  again  unexpectedly, 
with  three  other  gentlemen  on  horseback,  in  order  to  attend 
Divine  service  with  us.  I  spoke  on  Matt.  xxiv.  44,  "  Be  ye  also 
ready,  for  in  such  an  hour  as  ye  think  not,  the  Son  of  man 
Cometh." 

*  This  passage  struck  my  mind  when  I  heard  of  the  death 
of  our  friend. 

'  The  church  was  crowded  as  it  usually  is,  and  His  Excellency 
was  pleased  (after  Divine  service)  to  give  an  order  to  build  a 
gallery,  as  soon  as  possible,  in  order  to  make  the  more  room. 

'  Our  schools  have  likewise  been  prosperous,  which  you  will 
see  in  the  following  abstract  of  our  last  month's  return  to  the 
Governor,  viz  : — 

*  Present  in  school  on  Sept.  27,  1816,      -      -     144  boys. 
'  Detained  at  home  by  sickness     -      -      -      .         Q 

'  In  the  hospital     --------         8 

'Absent  on  Sept.  27 6 

'  On  the  27th  Sept.  on  the  school  list       -      -     164  boys. 

'  65  boys  learn  A.  B.  C. 

'  99  boys  read  words  of  two  letters. 

'  Upwards  of  20  pupils  attend  the  female  school,  and  up- 
wards of  50  pupils,  the  adult  evening  school. 

'  I  am  sorry  to  inform  you  of  the  death  of  the  boy,  George 
Lancaster,  whom  the  Rev.  E.  Bickersteth  brought  here  from 
Bashia  to  assist  me  in  school.  He  was  taken  ill  with  the 
dysentery,  and  died  after  an  illness  of  three  weeks.  This  ill- 
ness has  raged  here  very  much  this  rainy  season.  Blessed  be 
the  Lord  who  has  wonderfully  preserved  us.  I  have  not  ex- 
perienced one  hour's  sickness  since  I  have  been  here  on  this 
coast.  My  wife  has  had  her  health  remarkably  well  since  she 
had  the  fever,  which  I  mentioned  in  my  last.  Many  are  still 
ill  in  Sierra  Leone,  and  some  have  died. 


48  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSOX. 

'  Business  called  me  to  Sierra  Leone  to-day,  where  I  heard 
a  vessel  was  about  to  sail  for  London  to-morrow,  by  which  I 
intend  to  send  this  letter.  I  saw,  likewise,  Mr.  Nylander,  who 
appeared  to  be  in  good  health. 

'  I  might  say  much  more  of  the  goodness  and  mercy  of  our 
blessed  Jesus,  who  has  done  great  things  for  us  whereof  we 
are  glad  :  but  it  is  very  late. 

'  I  remain,  Rev.  and  Dear  Sir, 

'  Your  humble  servant. 

'  W.  Johnson.* 

In  answer  to  Mr.  Johnson's  former  letters,  Mr.  Pratt  wrote 
as  follows.  It  will  be  observed,  however,  that  the  above  letter, 
dated  October  8,  had  not  then  reached  England. 

'  Church  Missionary  House,  ) 
'London,  Nov.  2,  1816.     ) 
*  Dear  Johnson, 
♦We  have  received  your  letters  of  June  18th,  and  July  1st 
and  18th,  and  are  much  pleased  with  your  exertions  at  Re- 
gent's Town.     May  you  be  enabled  to  persevere  in  seeking  to 
diflfuse  the  knowledge  of  that  blessed  Saviour  whom  you  love ! 
We  were  particularly  gratified  by  the  account  of  the  adult 
schools. 

'Our  joy  was,  however,  mixed  with  sorrow  in  the  loss  of 
dear  Jost.  You  will  see  that  we  have  given  your  account  of 
his  peaceful  and  happy  end  in  the  Register.  He  is  doubtless 
gone  to  the  rest  of  that  blessed  Jesus,  whom  he  found  so  pre- 
cious in  the  hour  of  trial. 

'  The  Lord  spares  you  and  our  other  brethren  in  Africa,  that 
you  may  unweariedly  spread  his  name  among  the  heathen,  till 
you  come  to  be  in  heaven  with  those  only  who  love  and  rejoice 
in  that  name  for  ever. 

'  The  Register  will  give  you  every  information  of  our  pro- 
ceedings,    I  am,  dear  Johnson, 

'  With  kind  regard  to  your  wife, 

'  Aflfectionately  yours, 

'  JosiAH  Pratt.' 


OPENING    PnOSPECTS. 


4& 


The  following  letter  from  Mr.  Johnson  crossed  Mr.  Pratt's 
in  its  passage. 

•Regent's  Town,  Nov.  6,  1816. 
'  Rev.  and  dear  Sir, 

'  I  am  very  happy  to  inform  you  that  after  I  had  sent  the 
last  letter  of  the  8th  of  October  to  you,  several  people  came  to 
me  and  complained  about  their  bad  hearts,  and  gave  such 
striking  evidences  of  grace,  that  not  any  man  could  forbid 
■water  that  those  should  not  be  baptized.  Accordingly,  I  went 
and  spoke  with  Mr.  Butscher  on  that  behalf,  who  came  last 
Sunday  week  in  the  afternoon,  (omitting  the  service  at  Sierra 
Leone)  and  baptized  twenty-one  adults,  one  boy,  and  three 
infants,  (captured  negroes.) 

'  After  baptism,  twenty-one,  besides  us,  received  the  Sacra- 
ment for  the  first  time  at  this  place.  I  might  say  a  great  deal, 
but  I  will  leave  you  to  imagine  what  my  heart  felt. 

'  On  Saturday  evening  previous,  I  examined  them  one  by 
one,  and  I  cannot  express  with  the  pen  in  what  manifold  and 
wonderful  ways,  God  revealed  himself  to  these  poor  people. 

'  Permit  me  to  mention  a  circumstance  which,  perhaps,  not 
often  happens  in  our  days.  A  young  man  came  to  me  a  few 
days  before  Mr.  Butscher  came,  desirous  to  be  baptized.  I  told 
him  that  he  could  not  be  admitted,  because  he  had  lived  with 
a  woman  in  the  country  fashion.  He  went  home  with  a  sad 
countenance.  On  Saturday  evening  he  came  again,  ashamed 
to  look  at  me,  sat  down,  and  turned  his  face  to  the  wall,  and 
gave  a  striking  account  of  what  the  Lord  had  done  for  his 
soul.  I  proposed  that  he  might  be  baptized  and  come  to  the 
Table,  if  he  would  be  married  at  the  same  time.  A  heavy 
burden  appeared  to  fall  from  his  heart — his  sad  countenance 
was  turned  into  a  smiling  one,  and  accordingly  he  was  bap- 
tized, admitted  to  the  Lord's  Table,  and  married  in  the  space 
of  two  hours,  and,  moveover,  I  have  every  reason  to  believe 
that  the  Lord  has  begun  to  work  upon  the  heart  of  his  wife. 

*  As  I  have  more  room,  permit  me  to  mention  another  cir- 


50  MEMOIR    OK    JOHNSO>f. 

cumstance,  which  may  be,  perhaps,  as  interesting.  The  doctor 
who  attends  the  captured  negroes,  and  resides  at  this  place,  a 
man  of  colour,  educated  in  England,  and  known  by  the  name 
of  Macaulay  Wilson,  has  lately  attended  Divine  Service.  I 
observed  that  he  came  almost  every  morning,  and  paid  me  a 
visit ;  which  he  did  not  before,  and  seemed  very  much  cast 
down.  Last  Friday  I  went  to  Sierra  Leone,  in  order  to  attend 
the  examinations  of  the  schools,  before  his  Excellency  the 
Governor,  when  the  doctor  oftered  his  company  to  go  with  me. 
While  passing  through  the  mountains,  he  said  that  he  wished 
to  speak  to  me  a  few  words.  I  desired  that  he  would  speak 
on  ;  and  he  said  that  one  Sunday  afternoon,  I  had  spoken  on 
these  words,  "The  blood  of  Jesus  Cbrist  his  Son  cleanseth 
us  from  all  sin."  Since  that  time  he  could  find  no  rest ;  he 
had  often  come  in  the  morning  in  order  to  acquaint  me  with  it, 
but  had  been  kept  back — could  I  not  give  him  some  advice,  for 
he  had  been  notoriously  wicked  ?  I  replied,  that  I  could  give 
liim  no  other  advice  than  to  come  to  Jesus.  "  His  blood 
cleanseth  from  all  sin."  He  has  since  attended  family  prayer, 
and  has  found  comfort  through  that  passage.  "  Come  now, 
and  let  us  reason  together,  saith  the  Lord."     Isa.  i.  18. 

'This  circumstance  may  (who  knows)  prove  a  blessing  to 
the  Bullom  nation,  as  he  is  the  son  of  king  George  at  i'on- 
gi-oo,  and  is  expected  to  be  king  after  the  death  of  his  father, 
and  has  great  influence  over  the  Bullom  natives. 

'  May  the  Lord  have  all  the  glory,  for  he  has  done,  and  is 
doing,  all  things  well.  "  Oh  !  magnify  the  Lord  with  me,  and 
let  us  exalt  his  name  together." 

'  The  weather  is  now  very  fine,  but  sometimes  intolerably 
hot.  Those  that  have  suffered  bj'  sickness  are  recovering. 
The  Chief  Justice  in  Sierra  Leone  died  last  Sunday  week, 
which  is  a  great  loss  to  the  Colony. 

'  The  total  of  the  last  return  of  the  schools  in  the  Colony,  is 
1,23Y  pupils :  viz.  at  Sierra  Leone,  Leicester  Mountain,  Regent's 
Town  and  Kissy  Town.     I  remain.  Rev.  and  dear  Sir, 

'  Your  humble  servant,  W.  Johkson.' 


OPENING    PROSPECTS.  51 

At  the  close  of  this  year  Mr.  Renner,  the  senior  Missionary 
in  West  Africa,  paid  a  visit  to  Regent's  Town,  which  he  thus 
describes,  in  a  letter  to  Mr.  Pratt,  dated  January  2,  1817  : — 

'  I  spoke  morning  and  evening  in  the  church,  to  a  people 
that  seemed  to  be  devout  indeed.  Regent's  Town  is  fast  ad- 
vancing in  getting  civilized  and  Christianized.  Almost  every 
night,  as  I  am  told,  one  or  another  is  affected,  and,  on  certain 
nights,  the  whole  congregation  seems  impressed  :  but  judging 
by  appearance,  these  are  they  that  take  the  kingdom  of  heaven 
by  violence.  The  temporal  and  spiritual  work  of  our  brother 
is,  no  doubt,  great  and  laborious  among  these  people ;  but  to 
Johnson,  all  is  easy  and  full  of  pleasure.  It  is  surprising  to 
what  a  degree  of  harmonious  singing  both  sexes  have  attained, 
as  if  it  were  a  congregation  of  ten  years'  standing.' 


CHAPTER  m. 

A.D.  1817. 
Mr.  Johnson's  Ordination — Ilis  growing  Labours  and  Success. 

It  now  became  evident,  that  Mr.  Johnson,  sent  out  originally 
as  a  schoolmaster,  had  grown  involuntarily  into  a  missionary 
of  the  most  eminent  order  of  usefulness.  The  Committee  in 
London  were  not  slow  in  appreciating  his  labours ;  and  in  J^ro- 
moting  him  to  a  higher  place.  At  the  close  of  the  year,  Mr, 
Pratt  and  Mr.  Bickersteth  thus  wrote : — 

'  Church  Missionary  House,  ) 

'London,  Dec.  27,  1816.  S 
'  Dear  Johnson, 

*  We  wrote  to  you  Nov.  2nd,  and  have  since  received  yours 
October  8th. 

*  We  have  been  highly  gratified  with  the  account  of  your 
labours.  The  result  of  them  gives  us  a  prospect  of  a  brighter 
day  for  Africa  than  we  have  yet  enjoyed. 

'  We  do  truly  rejoice  that  you  seek  to  diffuse  the  savour  of 
the  Redeemer's  name  among  the  poor  recaptured  negroes,  and 
that  He  appears  to  give  testimony  to  His  word. 

'  Yet  it  has  appeared  to  us  incorrect,  that  you  should  continue 
to  do  this  without  being  ordained.  We  have  therefore  written 
to  Mr.  Garnon  on  this  subject,  and  requested  him  to  call  a 
meeting  of  the  Missionaries  Butscher,  Nylander,  and  Wenzel, 
to  consider  the  expediency  of  your  being  ordained  as  a  Lutheran 
minister.  We  trust  that  your  own  mind  will  be  humbly  and 
devotedly  prepared  for  the  work  before  you,  as  we  have  the 
best  hope  that  God  hath  given  you  grace  to  preach  the  un- 
searchable riches  of  Christ  to  the  Gentiles.  With  kind  regards 
to  Mrs.  Johnson,  we  are  affectionately  yours,  *  J.  P. 

'  E.  B.' 


HIS    ORDINATION    PROPOSED.  53 

Before  this  could  reach  Mr.  Johnson,  he  had  written  home, 
as  follows : — 

'Regent's  Town,  Feb.  6,  1817. 
'  Rev.  and  dear  Sir, 

'  With  great  pleasure  I  received  yours  of  the  2nd  of  Nov.,  on 
the  28th  of  Dec.  last,  in  which  you  acknowledge  the  receipt  of 
my  letters  from  June  18th,  July  1st  and  18th. 

'  I  now  sit  down  again  with  pleasure,  and  inform  you  of  our 
success.  In  my  last  of  November,  I  stated  to  you  the  conversion 
of  several  people  tp  whom  the  Lord  has  sent  me.  I  mentioned 
the  baptism  of  twenty-two  adults,  one  boy  and  two  infants, 
captured  negroes  ;  likewise  the  celebration  of  the  Sacrament  for 
the  first  time  in  this  desert — the  communicants  being  twenty- 
seven  in  number,  including  ourselves. 

Several  more  came  forward  and  gave  striking  evidences  of 
grace,  and  I  again  with  joy  informed  Mr.  Butscher  of  it,  who 
came  over  on  Christmas  day  in  the  morning,  and  baptized  nine 
adults,  and  one  infant,  captured  negroes.  Several  more  came 
forward  to  be  baptized  ;  but  having  not  sufficiently  examined 
them,  I  advised  them  to  stop  until  another  opportunity.  After 
the  ordinance  of  baptism,  we  again  celebrated  the  dying  love 
of  our  blessed  Jesus,  thirty-one  in  number. 

'I  learn  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Garnon  that  you  have  likewise  set 
apart  Saturday  evenings  for  prayer  on  our  behalf.  Glory  be  to 
the  Lord  Jesus,  who  has  particularly  blessed  this  hour  here 
amongst  us. 

'I  shall  only  mention  one  instance,  which  may  assure  us  that 
our  God  is  a  prayer-hearing  and  a  prayer-answering  God. 

'  Saturday  evening,  the  4th  of  January,  the  work  of  God 
appeared  anew  amongst  us,  during  prayer.  Two  young  men 
began  to  cry  out  "  Jesus,  massa,  have  mercy  !"  <fec.,  so  that  much 
confusion  took  place.  After  sei'vice,  about  9  o'clock,  hearing  a 
noise  in  a  house  a  little  distance  from  us,  I  went  and  found  the 
house  full,  some  on  their  knees,  crying  aloud, "  Oh  !  Jesus,  have 
mercy !"  &c. ;  some  were  sitting  weeping  and  trembling,  and 


64  MKMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

others  singing  praises  to  Jesus,  as  well  as  they  could,  iu  their 
broken  language,  I  could  not  well  pass  by — went  in,  spoke  to 
them  on  the  second  birth,  proposed  to  sing  a  hymn,  which  was 
done  while  shedding  many  tears ;  after  which  I  prayed  with 
them,  and  my  poor  voice  was  soon  drowned,  for  the  most  of 
them  were  crying  aloud  for  mercy.  I  went  home,  leaving  them 
in  that  state. 

"  This  was  a  scene  I  had  never  witnessed  before,  and  you 
may,  dear  Sir,  easily  perceive  what  I  felt ;  I  was  quite  over- 
come. Oh,  what  has  not  the  Lord  done !  When  we  came 
out,  I  prayed  the  Lord  to  give  me  but  one  soul ;  but  blessed  be 
his  holy  name,  he  has  given  me  more  than  one. 

'The  Sunday  morning  following,  at  prayer  (six  o'clock)  the 
above-mentioned  scene  was  renewed,  and  likewise  at  ten  o'clock, 
during  Divine  service.     I  spoke  on  John  xxi.  Id." Folloio  toc." 

'  Several  more  instances  like  those  above  mentioned,  have 
occurred  since.' 

In  the  next  letter,  we  find  that  Mr.  Johnson  had  received  the 
letter  of  Dec.  27,  which  conveyed  the  Committee's  wish  on  the 
subject  of  his  ordination.     He  thus  writes  : — 

'Regent's  Town,  March  11,  1817. 
*  Rev.  and  dear  Sir, 

'Before  I  closed  the  above,  I  heard  that  the  vessel  had  sailed, 
and  my  letter,  which  I  had  intended  to  send,  was  left  behind. 

'  I  have,  moreover,  to  inform  you,  that  the  Lord  has  since 
carried  on  his  work.  More  have  been  added  to  the  Church  of 
God  since,  and  I  trust  of  such  as  shall  be  saved. 

'  We  have  had  another  feast.  Ten  adults,  one  boy  and  one 
girl,  were  baptized  by  Mr.  Butscher,  on  the  second  Sunday  in 
February.  The  same  time  we  surrounded  the  mercy-seat  of 
our  Cod,  in  remembering  the  dying  love  of  our  Jesus,  forty-one 
in  number,  and  we  intend  to  do  the  same  next  Sunday,  when  a 
few  more  will  be  baptized,  God  willing, 

*  Glory,  glory,  be  to  the  Lord  Josus  for  his  work!     "Not 


HIS    ORDINATION    PROPOSED.  &6 

unto  US,  not  unto  us,"  but  "blessing,  and  honour,  and  glory, 
and  power,  be  unto  Him  that  sitteth  upon  the  throne,  and  unto 
the  Lamb  for  ever  and  ever." 

'  I  have  with  great  pleasure  received  yours  of  December  27, 
but  have  been  very  much  cast  down  since,  on  account  of  my 
inability,  when  considering  the  great  work  before  me.  How- 
ever, I  must  confess,  that  the  Lord  comforts  me  by  the  pre- 
cious promises,  •  "  My  grace  is  sufficient  for  thee,  and  my 
strength  is  made  perfect  in  weakness."  The  Lord's  will  be 
done ! 

'  I  have  written  several  sheets  full,  and  stated  several  conver- 
sions of  these  people,  but  when  I  read  the  last  instructions  sent 
out  by  the  Echo,  I  thought  it  best  not  to  send  them.  However, 
as  I  have  room,  I  shall  state  only  one  instance,  which  will 
show  you  how  wonderfully  God  reveals  himself  to  these  poor 
people. 

'One  Sunday  morning  I  was  led  to  explain  the  Day  of  Judg- 
ment— the  state  of  the  saints  in  heaven,  and  the  state  of  the 
miserable  in  hell. 

'  William  Tamba  went  home  much  alarmed,  tried  to  pray, 
but  could  not.  He  laid  down  to  sleep,  but  conld  not  for  some 
time  ;  at  length  he  fell  asleep.  He  then  dreamed  he  saw  a 
man  coming  into  his  cottage,  who  made  a  large  fire  in  the 
middle  of  it.  After  the  fire  had  burned  a  little,  he  brought 
two  persons  in,  bound  with  chains,  and  put  them  both  into  the 
fire.  Tamba  beheld  them  until  the  uails  dropped  from  their 
fingers  and  toes,  and  still  they  were  not  dead,  but  crying  and 
howling.  At  length  the  man  came  to  him,  bound  him,  and 
brought  him  near  the  fire  ready  to  burn  him,  when  another 
man  came  behind  him,  and  said,  with  a  loud  voice,  "  Let  him 
alone  ;  he  belongs  to  me."  On  this  he  was  set  at  liberty  im- 
mediately, fell  down  on  his  knees  and  prayed ;  then  awoke, 
and  found  himself  before  the  bed  on  his  knees.  He  continued 
■weeping  and  praying  all  night,  and  the  following  day  came  to 
me,  like  the  jailor  of  old,  asking  "  ^yhat  he  must  do  to  be 
saved  ?"     When  I  enquired  of  him  how  he  came  to  ask  me 


56 


.MEMOIR    OF    JOnXSOX. 


that  question,  he  related  to  me  the  above-mentioned  circum- 
stance with  tears. 

'  The  gallery  is  now  building  and  will  soon  be  finished, 
which  will  contain  about  200  people  more.  We  are  at  present 
very  much  in  want  of  room  on  Sundays,  which  want  will  soon 
be  removed. 

'  The  following  is  a  copy  of  the  last  return  which  I  presented 
to  His  E.vcellency  the  Governor  : — 

Return  of  Schools  for  the  Education  of  Captured  Xegroes. 

Hegent's  Town,  February  14,  1817. 


Schools. 

No. 
present 
Feb.)  4, 

1817. 

144 
73 
50 
24 

Sick. 

Absent. 

Total. 

g;y;^[ Day  School] 
Women  i^''g^t  Schools] 

Total 

1 

2 
2 

4 

1 
1 

175 
75 
53 
27 

291 

83 

6 

s.-^o 

'  The  adults  make  the  best  progress.  Several  that  knew 
not  a  letter  in  July  last,  read  now  tolerably  well  in  Central 
Book,  No.  2  and  3. 

'  We  have  now  masons,  bricklayers,  carpenters,  shingle- 
makers,  sawyers,  smiths,  tailors  and  brickmakers.  AVe  have 
made  about  16,000  bricks,  and  have  as  many  ready  to  be 
burnt.  Our  God  has  visited  us  with  the  small-pox^  but  glory 
be  to  his  holy  name,  he  gave  us  means  to  oppose  the  danger 
connected  with  it  in  this  country.  Mr.  Macaulay  Wilson,  the 
Bullom  king's  son,  inoculated  all  our  boys  and  girls,  and  most 
of  the  people,  and  two  boys  and  one  girl  only  have  died  of 
this  disease  in  our  schools.  However,  several  of  the  people 
who  refused  to  be  inoculated,  have  fallen  victims.  Our  people 
have  now  almost  lecovored,  especially  the  school-boys  and 
girls,  who  are  at  present  remarkably  well. 

'  The  girl  who  died,  I  have  every  reason  to  believe,  is  now 
with  Jesus.     She  lamented  very  nmch  over  her  wicked  heart 


HIS    ORDINATION    PROPOSED.  5*7 

in  the  hour  of  trial,  and  fled  to  the  Lord  Jesus  as  her  only- 
refuge.  Being  baptized,  I  read  the  prayers  over  the  grave, 
and  spolce  a  few  words  on  the  occasion  on  Amos  iv.  12 — 
"  Prepare  to  meet  thy  God."  About  300  had  followed  the 
funeral,  all  very  neatly  dressed,  for  the  deceased  was  beloved 
of  every  one  that  knew  her,  and  many  tears  were  shed  on  her 
grave,  and  since  I  have  found  that  some  have  been  impressed 
with  the  thought  of  eternity  on  the  occasion.  May  the  Lord 
make  it  an  abiding  impression  !  I  hear  that  many  of  the 
children  at  Kissy  have  fallen  victims — above  100.  It  is  just 
breaking  out  at  Leicester  Mountain.  Mrs.  Diiring's  little  son 
has  recovered,  being  inoculated. 

'  Mr.  Macaulay  Wilson,  the  Bullom  king's  son,  acts  at  pres- 
ent as  clerk  on  Sunday.  I  have  mentioned  his  conversion  in 
my  last,  and  am  happy  to  say  that  he  is  a  great  help  to  me, 
and  continues  growing  in  grace  and  in  the  knowledge  of  Jesus 
Christ. 

'  I  went  to  Sierra  Leone  yesterday,  and  was  detained  at 
Leicester  Mountain  and  Gloucester  Town,  by  Mr.  Butscher, 
who  was  marrying  some  people  at  the  last  place,  and  came 
rather  too  late  to  family  worship.  Mr.  Macaulay  Wilson, 
therefore,  kept  family  prayer  with  the  people  ;  and  my  wife 
told  me  that  he  gave  a  most  affecting  exhortation,  persuading 
the  people  to  give  their  Avhole  hearts  to  Jesus  Christ. 

'  Upwards  of  200  hearers  attend  family  prayer  at  present  ; 
sometimes  in  the  evening  we  have  the  church  almost  full. 

'  Excuse  my  writing  so  much.     If  I  were   to  write   all,  I 
should  fill  several  sheets  more.     I  remain, 
'  Rev.  and  dear  Sir, 

'  Your  most  affectionate, " 

'  William  Johnson.' 

We  now  resume  Mr.  Johnson's  journal,  which  proceeds  as 
follows  : — 

'In  February,  1817,  I  received  a  letter  from  the  Society, 
dated  Church  Missionary  House,  Dec.  27,  1816,  in  which  the 


68  MEMOIR    OF    JOHXSOK. 

Committee  requested  my  ordination.  Accordingly,  on  the  31st 
of  March,  1817,  I  was  ordained  by  the  Missionaries  Renner, 
Butscher,  and  Wenzel,  according  to  the  rites  of  the  Liitlieran 
Church.  My  mind  was  at  first  distressed  ;  doubts  and  fears 
came  in  my  mind  again,  whether  I  was  truly  called  to  the 
ministry  ;  but  when  I  came  to  trace  my  past  experience,  I  could 
not  any  longer  doubt,  though  many  sorrowful  hours  followed 
on  account  of  my  inability ;  but  1  Cor.  i.  25,  26,  removed  all ; 
also  the  following  Sunday  being  Easter,  the  Gth  of  April,  it 
pleased  the  Lord  to  give  me  a  final  assurance  of  my  being 
called  to  the  ministry. 

'  In  the  morning,  whilst  speaking  to  a  crowded  congregation 
on  John  xi.  25,  several  were  afiected,  and  wept,  and  prayed 
aloud  for  mercy.  In  the  afternoon,  the  same  scene  took  place, 
whilst  speaking  on  1  Cor.  xv.  55. 

'  In  the  evening,  whilst  engaged  in  prayer,  crying  and  pray- 
ing became  general,  so  that  I  was  obliged  to  leave  oft',  and  give 
out  a  hymn,  but  all  to  no  purpose ;  I  exhorted  them  to  silence, 
and  gave  out  the  text,  then  gave  out  another  hymn,  but  all  no 
use.  The  greatest  part  of  the  congregation  were  on  their 
knees,  and  crying  aloud  for  mercy.  What  I  felt,  it  is  impossi- 
ble to  express  with  this  pen.  I  was  at  length  quite  overcome, 
and  obliged  to  leave  my  congregation  in  that  state.  While  I 
passed  toward  the  door,  I  saw  one  man  on  his  knees,  knocking 
with  his  hands  on  the  boards,  and  crying,  "  Lord  Jesus,  me  no 
let  thee  go — pardon  my  sins  first."  I  went  home,  and  heard 
nothing  but  cries,  &c.,  for  the  space  of  fifteen  minutes,  in  every 
direction.  From  that  period,  I  was  obliged  to  use  means  to 
prevent  further  disturbances ;  for  sometimes  when  I  only  men- 
tioned the  name  of  Jesus,  cries  were  heard  immediately.  I 
gave  directions  to  the  door-keepers,  that  when  more  than  one 
was  thus  affected,  to  take  them  out,  and  by  these  means  we 
have  been  enabled  until  now,  to  keep  Divine  service  in  quiet, 
though  we  seldom  have  a  Sunday  without  being  obliged  to  use 
the  above  means.  Blessed  be  the  Lord  for  his  mercy,  that  he 
makes  himself  known  through  one  so  vile  and  wretched.    The 


CONTINUED    SUCCESS.  59 

present  number  of  communicants  is  about  seventy,  and  the 
schools,  both  adults  and  children,  amount  to  about  390. 

'  On  Sundays,  some  are  so  eager  to  hear  the  word,  that  they 
will  come  an  hour  before  service  to  secure  a  seat,  in  order  to 
hear  the  word. 

'  The  Church  is  now  to  be  made  into  the  shape  of  a  cross, 
which  will  give  nearly  as  much  room  again. 

In  the  course  of  the  summer,  Mr.  Johnson  wrote  to  the 
Secretary  as  follows  : — 

'  On  the  fourth  of  May,  being  the  first  Sunday  in  the  month, 
I  administered  the  Lord's  Supper  to  my  little  flock.  Above 
fifty  surrounded  the  table.  It  was  a  refreshing  season,  and 
was  accompanied  by  many  tears.  In  the  afternoon  I  baptized 
eight  adults. 

'  Thus  it  pleases  God — blessed  be  his  holy  name !  to  add, 
from  time  to  time,  new  members  unto  the  church,  and  such,  I 
trust,  as  shall  be  saved. 

'  The  gallery  is  finished,  but  we  are  still  short  of  room.  The 
Governor  has  been  pleased  to  resolve,  that  a  large  addition  to 
the  Church  shall  be  made  at  the  east  end,  which  will  be  begun 
as  soon  as  my  house  is  finished. 

'  At  present,  I  keep  the  day-schools  only  three  times  a  week  ; 
as  all  the  people  and  boys  are  employed  to  fetch  rice,  to  lay  in 
a  store  for  the  approaching  rainy  season.  To  all  appearance, 
we  shall  labour  under  a  scarcity,  as  the  harvest  has  failed. 
The  adult  evening-school  is  going  on  well,  and  increasing.  Six 
men  and  three  women  read  the  Testament.  I  asked  one  of 
the  men  how  he  liked  his  new  book.  He  said,  "  I  cannot 
thank  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  enough  for  this  good  book,  for  I 

HAVE  SEEN  MYSELF  IN  IT." 

'  It  pleases  God  to  bless  us  still  with  health  and  strength. 
The  rains  approach  very  fast.  We  have  tornadoes  almost 
every  day.' 


60  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

Another  letter  is  dated  June  27th.  We  extract  from  it  the 
following  particulars : — 

*I  sit  down  again,  to  inform  you  of  our  success  in  the  work 
of  the  Lord.  But  we  are  not  witliout  trials.  It  must,  how- 
ever, be  so ;  and  our  blessed  Jesus  has  forewarned  us  of  them. 

'  My  dear  wife  has  been  severely  afflicted  with  illness,  but  is, 
blessed  be  God !  recovering,  though  very  slowly.  She  ap- 
peared to  be  for  several  days  in  a  dying  state ;  but  he  who 
caused  the  blind  to  see,  the  lame  to  walk,  the  deaf  to  hear,  the 
sick  to  be  whole,  and  the  very  dead  to  rise,  caused  her  also  to 
rise  from  a  bed  of  sickness. 

'  Several  have  been  added  to  the  church  of  Christ  at  this 
place,  since  I  Avrote  to  you  last;  and  others  have  walked  more 
to  the  glory  of  God.  At  our  last  Sacrament,  I  administered 
the  Lord's  Supper  to  fifty-nine. 

'A  circumstance  lately  occurred,  which  appears  to  me 
worthy  of  notice.  I  remarked  a  woman  attending  morning 
and  evening  prayer,  and  almost  every  time  weeping;  which 
appeared  somewhat  strange  to  me,  as  she  understood  very  little 
English.  One  day  I  talked  with  her,  and  made  her  compre- 
hend that  I  wished  to  know  why  she  wept.  She  pointed  to 
her  heart,  and  said,  "  Here  !  here  !"  I  directed  a  pious  young 
woman,  who  could  understand  her,  to  go  and  speak  with 
her.' 

Mr.  Johnson  found  afterward  that  her  mind  had  been  led  to 
reflect  deeply  on  her  sinfulness  and  danger ;  and  that  it  was 
her  sense  of  this  state  which  so  much  aflected  her.  He  says 
of  her  afterward  : — 

'  Others  of  our  pious  people,  who  can  understand  her,  give 
her  counsel  and  encouragement.  She  has  hitherto  walked  as 
a  Christian.  /  will  tuork,  and  tvho  shall  let  it  !  Amen.  Even 
so,  Lord  Jesus,  carry  on  thy  work  which  thou  hast  begun 
among  us ! 

'  A  few  have  backslidden  ;  but  we  must  expect  that  chaff 
will  get  with  the  wheat  into  the  bushel. 


CONTINUED    SUCCESS. 


ef 


'The  following  is  a  copy  of  the  last  return  of  schools,  which 
1  presented  to  his  Excellency  the  Governor. 

'  Return  of  Schools  for  the  Education  of  Recaptured  Negroes. 

Regent's  Town,  June  6,  181Y. 


Men  and  boys  who  )  v-  i  f 

learn  Trades         >•  ^,  'f  '  , 

Women  \  ^*^'^«°^ 


No. 
present. 

Sick. 

Absent. 

Total. 

155 

10 

7 
16 

10 

1 

172 

87 

i 

88 

10 

1 

99 

( 

28 

0 

0 

28 

Total 

341 

33 

12 

386 

The  Journal  proceeds  as  follows  : — 

'Several  walked  no  more  with  us  in  June  and  July,  1817; 
a  barrenness  took  place,  but  blessed  be  God,  all  have  returned, 
though  it  was  a  heavy  trial  for  nie,  and  I  believe  for  all  the 
communicants ;  but  we  have  now  to  confess  at  large,  that  this 
also  has  worked  together  for  our  good. 

'  A  benefit  society  has  been  erected  amongst  the  community, 
■which  has  greatly  increased  love  and  harmony. 

'  I  was  speaking  to  my  people,  a  few  Sundays  ago,  of  my 
being  sent  hither  to  preach  to  them  about  Jesus  Christ ;  and 
was  telling  them  how  good  God  was  to  send  ministers  to  Africa, 
and  to  bring  them  to  this  place ;  and  that  if  God  had  not  been 
so  good,  they  would  have  perished  in  their  sins.  I  had  an 
object  in  view,  which  was  to  form  among  them  a  little  society 
for  the  relief  of  their  sick  members,  by  subscriptions  of  a  half- 
penny a  week  each.  After  service,  one  of  them  stood  up,  and 
said  to  the  rest,  "  Dat  be  very  good  ting,  broders.  Suppose 
one  be  sick,  all  be  sick :  suppose  one  be  well,  all  be  well !" 
What  a  simple,  but  practical  comment  on  those  words, 
"  Whether  one  member  suffer,  all  the  members  suffer  with  it :  or 
one  member  be  honoured,  all  the  members  rejoice  with  it ;"  and 
indeed  on  the  whole  passage,  1  Cor.  xii.  12 — 27. 

4 


62  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

'  One  who  had  lately  been  reclaimed  from  the  depths  of  sin, 
when  asked,  "  Well,  how  is  your  heart  now  ?"  replied,  "  Massa 
my  heart  no  live  here  now.  My  heart  live  there" — pointing  to 
the  skies. 

'  Oh  !  may  the  Spirit  of  all  gi-ace  be  with  ns.  May  lie 
receive  all  the  praise  and  glory,  for  having  made  poor  black 
sinners,  yea,  as  black  in  their  hearts  as  in  their  skins,  willing  in 
the  day  of  his  power  to  receive  a  crucified  Jesus. 

'  I  pray  now  that  I  may  be  enabled  to  keep  up  this  diary, 
which  I  have,  to  my  grief  and  soitow,  neglected  since  I  have 
been  here. 

*  Sattirdai/,  Nov.  8.  I  have  experienced  a  great  darkness 
this  past  week !  Ilave  not  enjoyed  privilege  in  prayer.  But 
blessed  be  the  Lord  Jesus,  all  has  been  removed  this  night. 

'  In  the  prayer-meeting  this  evening,  I  read  a  few  letters  to 
my  dear  people,  and  then  gave  an  exhortation  in  which  I  was 
led  out  more  than  usual.  As  every  communicant  has  the 
liberty  to  speak  in  this  meeting,  William  Davis  arose,  and  gave 
a  most  affecting  exhortation.  I  should  much  like  to  insert  it 
here,  but  am  afraid  I  should  add  or  leave  out  something;  after 
this  William  Vivah  arose,  and  exhorted  his  brethren  to  cleave 
to  Jesus,  and  behold  what  he  had  done  for  them.  I  concluded 
with  prayer,  and  blessed  be  God,  we  experienced  the  presence  of 
Jesus. 

'  Sunday,  Nov.  9.  During  prayer  meeting  at  6  a.m.  I  felt 
very  cold  and  dark.     Two  men  were  aftected  ;  one  wept  aloud. 

' Half-past  ten,  Divine  service — married  two  couple;  spoke 
on  Gal.  iii.  24.  I  found  not  that  liberty  I  could  wish  for.  One 
man  who  has  lately  come  here,  and  settled  in  the  town,  appear- 
ed much  affected.  He  fell  on  his  knees,  and  wept  aloud. 
After  service,  I  asked  him  why  he  wept  ?  He  said,  "  God 
came  into  my  heart ;  and  my  heart  bad  too  much — that  made 
me  cry." 

'  In  the  afternoon,  I  spoke  on  Song  of  Solomon  v.  10.  The 
same  man  was  again  affected — wept  very  loud.  I  experienced 
more  liberty  in  explaining  this  precious  passage.     The  people 


CONTINUED    SUCCESS,  63 

appeared  very  attentive.     Oh  !  may  the  Lord  the  Holy  Spirit, 
bless  the  word,  and  give  the  increase. 

'  Before  evening  service,  W.  Davis  and  Joseph  Canady,  two 
communicants,  brought  a  greegree,  which  they  had  found  in 
Bassey  Town,  where  W.  Davis  had  spoken  to  the  people.  An 
old  man,  who  had  always  opposed  "W.  Davis  very  much,  had 
been  very  quiet.  The  greegree  was  put  by  W.  Davis  into 
the  fire. 

'  In  the  evening,  I  spoke  on  James  i.  5.  "  If  any  of  you  lack 
wisdom,  let  him  ask  of  God."  Whilst  I  said,  "  if  any  of  you 
want  to  know  Jesus  Christ,  let  him  ask  of  God  the  Spirit  to 
point  him  out ;"  the  man  above  mentioned  who  wept  in  the 
morning  and  afternoon,  and  another,  fell  on  their  knees,  and 
prayed  aloud.  They  prayed  earnestly  to  know  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.  Oh  !  may  God  the  Spirit  take  of  the  things  of  Jesus, 
and  reveal  them  unto  the  hearts  of  poor  sinners. 

'  Thursdmj,  Nov.  13.  Have  been  busy  in  the  beginning  of 
the  week  with  writing  letters  to  the  Society,  &c.  Went  to 
Freetown  to-day,  and  carried  letters.  Wrote  another  letter  to 
my  mother  in  German3^ 

Nov.  15.  This  day  has  proved  a  very  dark  season  to  my 
soul — am  afflicted  with  diarrhsea,  and  consequently  very  weak. 
The  various  duties  of  the  Lord's  day  before  me,  which  makes 
me  very  uneasy.  Oh  !  that  the  light  of  his  countenance  would 
shine  upon  me,  and  that  he  would  prepare  me  for  the  Sabbath- 
day. 

'  In  the  evening  I  was  much  comforted,  through  several  con- 
versations which  took  place,  during  the  usual  prayer-meeting 
at  seven  o'clock.  John  Sandy  spoke  much  to  the  comfort  of 
my  soul.  He  complained  much  of  darkness,  saying,  "  Once  me 
see  light — but  now  me  have  no  light — no  peace ;  my  bad 
heart  brings  me  into  all  these  troubles.  I  don't  know 
what  I  must  do.  I  can't  tell  if  I  am  on  the  way  to  Hell 
or  Heaven." 

'  Sunday^  Nov.  16.  Had  a  very  uncomfortable  night — slept 
but  little ;  felt  very  weak,  am  still  afflicted  with  this  complaint. 


64  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON, 

Oh  !  what  a  comfort  it  is  that  a  rest  remains  for  the  cliikheu 
of  God. 

'  At  six  o'clock  A.M.  prayer-meeting.  Three  communicants 
engaged  in  prayer,  and  I  conchided.  Several  who  appear  to 
be  under  conviction,  wept  aloud.  Three  were  carried  out  by 
the  door-keepers. 

'  llalf-past  ten,  Divine  service;  felt  still  very  weak.  Spoke 
on  Judges  viii.  4.  "  Faint,  yet  pursuing."  The  same  people 
wept  and  trembled  again.  Some  were  carried  out,  which  was 
rather  troublesome,  as  the  place  was  so  crowded,  that  there 
was  no  way  to  get  out.  After  service,  I  felt  much  fatigued  ; 
proposed  therefore  that  the  people  should  keep  prayer-meeting 
among  themselves,  which  they  did. 

'  Seven  o'clock  p.m.  I  spoke  on  Romans  ix.  o.  I  felt  more 
liberty  than  in  the  morning.  Darkness  fled  away,  and  my 
heart  did  sing  for  joy.  Several  wept,  the  whole  appeared 
afflicted,  and  I  forgot  my  complaint.  Oh !  may  the  Spirit 
bless  the  few  imperfect  remarks. 

"iVoi'.  17.  Twelve  o'clock,  spoke  to  the  girls.  Asked  if 
any  could  tell  what  they  had  heard  yesterday.  Hannah 
Cammel,  a  teacher,  said,  "  Me  hear  you  say  that  if  any  man, 
woman,  boy  or  girl,  died  without  Jesus  Christ,  they  must  go  to 
Hell."  "  What  do  f/ou  think,  Hannah,  are  you  with  Jesus 
Christ,  or  are  you  without  him  ?"  "  I  am  without  him.  Sir." — 
"  Did  you  ever  pray  to  him  ?"  "  Yes,  Sir." — "  Why  or  what 
for  did  you  pray  to  him  ?"  "To  save  me  from  my  sin,  Sir." — 
"  Are  you  then  a  sinner  ?"  "  Yes,  I  am  a  great  sinner.  Sir." — 
"  Do  you  know  what  Jesus  Christ  did  for  sinners  ?"  "  He  came 
into  the  world  to  save  them.  Sir." — "  Well,  then,  if  he  came 
into  the  world  to  save  sinners,  and  you  say  j'^ou  are  a  sinner, 
He  came  to  save  you."  She  appeared  afiected,  and  could 
speak  no  more. 

^J)^ov.  20.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Garnon,  and  Mr.  Gates,  paid  us  a 
visit  to-day.  The  former  intend  to  stay  until  to-morrow — tlie 
latter  went  this  evening  to  Wilberforce. 

'In  the  afternoon,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Garnon  and  myself  went  to 


CONTINUED    SUCCESS.  65 

see  some  of  the  female  communicants  :  in  tlie  evening  Mr.  Gar- 
non  gave  an  exhortation,  after  evening  school.  Both  day  and 
evening  schools  practised  singing. 

'  Sunday,  Nov.  23.  About  nine  o'clock,  all  the  front  seats 
in  the  Church  were  occupied.  Divine  Service  began  at  half 
past  ten. 

'  Captain  Welsh,  of  the  brig  Pyrennees,  came  to  visit  us  ; 
having  been  an  old  acquaintance  in  London.  The  Church  was 
so  full  when  the  bell  rang  the  first  time,  that  we  could  not  get 
in  at  the  two  side-doors.  Some  were  sitting  outside  on  boards. 
With  difficulty  we  entered  through  the  tower.  I  married  two 
couple,  having  scarcely  any  room  to  stand. 

'  My  text  was  John  v.  6,  "  Wilt  thou  he  made  whole  /" 

'  Captain  Welsh  was  much  delighted.  He  said,  after  ser- 
vice, "  I  have  seen  to-day  what  I  never  saw  before.  Oh,"  he  con- 
tinued, "  what  would  not  our  friends  in  London  give  for  such  a 
sight !"  Turning  to  me,  he  said,  "  God  has  blessed  your 
labours  beyond  description.  I  have  heard  of  your  success,  but 
I  could  not  have  believed  that  it  was  so  great."  I  answered, 
"  May  God  have  all  the  praise  and  glory." 

'Afternoon,  I  spoke  on  Rom.  viii.  28.  Several  were  again 
much  affected — one  woman  was  carried  out.  About  6  p.  m,, 
the  Captain  left  me  for  Sierra  Leone. 

'In  the  evening,  7  o'clock,  I  spoke  on  John  xvi.  31,  "  i)o  ye 
now  believe  P  All  appeared  very  attentive,  and  some  tremb- 
ling and  weeping.  I  was  enabled  to  speak  with  more  freedom 
than  in  the  morning  and  afternoon.  Oh,  may  the  Spirit  of  all 
grace  bless  the  word  which  has  been  proclaimed  by  his  un- 
worthy dust  to-day. 

'  Nov.  24.  Spoke  to  the  school-girls.  Several  told  me  what 
they  had  .heard  on  Sunday,  Dorothy  Roah,  Mary  Wyng,  and 
Elizabeth  Bryda,  spoke  veiy  satisfactorily. 

'  Nov.  25.  Li  the  evening  examined  with  six  members,  two 
candidates.  One,  a  woman,  was  received,  and  the  other  dis- 
missed. Several  more  were  to  be  examined,  but  being  late, 
adjourned  the  meeting  until  Monday  following. 


66  MEMOIR    OF    JOIIKSOX. 

^  Nov.  27.  Went  to  Sierra  Leone,  and  from  tlience,  with 
Messrs.  Garnon,  Nylander,  and  Gates,  to  the  Bullora  settlement. 
Visited  in  the  afternoon,  King  George  of  Yongroo.  Saw  also 
Mr.  Macaulay,  who  is  still  very  weak.  Observed  many  devils' 
and  greegree  houses.  Mr.  Garnon  spoke  to  the  boys  in  the 
evening.     Mr.  Gates  felt  rather  unwell. 

'  Nov.  28.  Mr.  Gates  being  unwell  caused  us  to  get  to  Sierra 
Leone  as  soon  as  possible.  Spoke  to  the  boys  in  the  morning 
on  Luke  v.  12,  13.  Arrived  about  2  p.  m.,  at  Freetown. 
Waited  upon  the  Governor,  with  whom  I  had  rather  a  dis- 
agreeable conversation,  as  his  and  my  views  are  not  alike,  Wiiich 
caused  us  to  differ,  and  I  could  not  lielp  speaking  my  mind, 
which  made  his  Excellency  angry.  We,  however,  parted  good 
friends.  Returned  home  in  the  evening,  when  I  was  received 
by  my  dear  people  with  joy.  When  I  had  entered  the  house, 
the  piazza  was  soon  filled,  and  I  was  obliged  to  stand  in  the 
door  and  give  them  all  service  to  pacify  them. 

'  Saturday/,  Nov.  29.  At  the  evening  prayer-meeting,  I  read 
a  letter  to  the  people,  which  I  had  received  from  Mr.  Pratt ; 
and  from  the  Missionary  Register  far  September,  I  read  and 
explained  to  them  the  anecdote  of  the  poor  woman,  related  in 
the  407th  page.  When  I  had  done,  four  of  my  communicants 
addressed  the  meeting  in  behalf  of  the  Missionary  cause,  and 
requested  me  to  set  apart  one  evening  in  the  following  week  to 
form  a  Missionary  Society. 

'  During  the  last  week,  I  have  been  much  harassed  in  my 
mind  with  unbelief,  but,  glory  be  to  God,  all  has  been  removed 
this  night.     I  have  indeed  been  much  refreshed. 

'  Sundaij,  Nov.  30.  Spoke  in  the  morning  on  John  iii.  14, 
15.  Found  not  much  freedom;  all  appeared  cold  and  dark. 
Oh  Lord  !  let  thy  light  shine  upon  us  : 

"  Kindle  a  flatno  of  sacred  love, 
In  these  cold  hearts  of  ours." 

'Afternoon  spoke  on  Isaiah  Iv.  19 — 21,  with  much  free- 
dom ; — the  people  appeared  very  attentive. 


CONTINUED    SUCCESS.  6"? 

*  Evening  Zech.  xiii.  19. 

*1.  The  manifold  trials  of  God's  dear  people. 

*  2.  Why  God's  people  are  a  tried  people. 
'  3.  The  promises  to  a  tried  child  of  God. 

'  Many  were  much  affected.  Some  wept.  I  was  much  dis- 
tressed before  service,  as  I  could  not  fix  my  mind  on  any  pas- 
sage ;  but  whilst  I  gave  out  a  hymn,  this  passage  was  forcibly 
applied  to  my  mind.  Praise  be  to  God  the  Holy  Spirit  for  his 
mercy  towards  me.  Oh,  why  me,  why  me?  Informed  the 
people  that  next  Wednesday  evening,  after  prayer  meeting,  a 
Missionary  Society  would  be  formed,  according  to  the  desire  of 
some  communicants. 

'■Dec.  1.  Went  to  Freetown  in  order  to  be  at  home  on 
Wednesday,  as  that  day  is  the  appointed  day  for  the  monthly 
Missionary  prayer-meeting,  which  is  to  be  on  Leicester  Mount- 
ain that  evening.     All  my  people  are  desirous  to  go  with  me. 

'  Dec.  2.  Met  this  evening  in  my  house  with  the  appointed 
six  communicants,  to  consider  the  conduct  of  three  communi- 
cants, who  have  given  slight  offences  by  their  conduct.  Two 
showing  repentance,  expressing  their  sorrow,  being  the  first 
time,  were  reproved  and  exhorted.  The  other  a  woman,  hav- 
ing been  reproved  twice  before,  and  still  given  to  carelessness, 
was  excluded  from  being  a  member  of  the  Church. 

'  Wednesday,  Dec.  3,  being  the  appointed  evening  to  form  a 
Missionary  Society,  the  Church  was  full  at  7  o'clock.  Previous 
to  the  meeting  we  had  one  for  prayer,  as  usual,  being  Wednes- 
day. 

'  After  this  meeting,  I  addressed  the  people  ;  explained  to 
them  the  heathen  misery,  and  referred  to  their  former  state — 
urged  the  necessity  of  sending  out  Missionaries,  and  of  support- 
ing them — and  concluded  with  encouraging  their  exertions  by 
our  Lord's  acceptance  of  the  poor  widows' mites,  Mark  xii.  42-44. 

'  After  this  no  less  than  seventeen  communicants  came  for- 
ward, and  addressed  the  meeting.  Some  spoke  much  to  the 
purpose,  though  in  broken  English.  It  would  have  greatly 
animated  our  Christian  friends  in  England. 


68  MEMOIK    OF   JOHNSOiV,  "» 

'  One  of  them  AV.  Tamba,  exliortecl  to  prayer,  tliat  it  might 
please  God  to  send  some  of  them  to  their  country  people,  to 
carry  the  good  news  of  a  Saviour  to  them.  He  then  came  for- 
ward, and  said,  "  I  will  give  half-a-crown."  I  told  him  that 
what  he  might  give  was  to  be  every  month.  He  replied,  "  I 
know,  Sir  !  I  will  give  it  every  month."  Several  followed  his 
.example.  A  motion  was  then  made,  that  those  who  desired  to 
be  members  were  to  give  not  less  than  two-pence  a  month : 
107  had  their  names  put  down  as  subscribers.  After  which, 
several  of  the  school-boys  and  girls  came  forward,  and  gave 
their  pence  and  halfpence.  I  asked  one  boy,  who  re<}uested  me 
to  take  a  penny,  where  he  got  money.  He  replied,  "  Me  got 
three  coppers  (three  halfpence)  long  time.  Me  beg  you,  Massa, 
take  two,  and  me  keep  one."  I  told  him  he  had  better  keep 
his  coppers  which  he  had  kept  so  long ;  but  he  refused,  and 
urged  me  to  take  the  two  coppers. 

*  Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul,  and  forget  not  all  his  benefits. 
Oh  what  have  I  enjoyed  this  night — Oh  what  hath  God 
wrought ! 

'  Thursdaj/,  Dec.  4.  At  family  prayer  in  the  morning,  I  told 
the  people  that  I  intended  to  go  to  Leicester  Mountain  in  the 
evening,  where  all  the  Missionaries  purposed  to  meet  to  pray  for 
the  spread  of  the  gospel  ;  and  if  any  were  desirous  to  go  with 
me,  I  should  be  ready  at  4  o'clock  in  the  afternoon ;  but  none 
should  go  unless  they  were  dressed  and  clean. 

'Accordingly  I  went  at  4  o'clock,  p.m. on  the  hill, in  the  road 
to  Leicester  Mountain,  when  a  large  company  followed,  all 
cleanly  dressed.  I  arranged  them,  the  women  and  girls  in 
front,  and  the  men  and  boys  behind,  which  formed  a  long  line; 
and  thus  we  marched  to  Leicester  Mountain.  Mr.  Horton 
counted  them,  and  told  me  that  I  had  321  people  with  me. 

'  About  7  o'clock  we  began  divine  Avorship  by  singing 

"  Jesus  shall  reigu  wheru'er  the  sun,"  A-c. 

'  I  prayed — Mr.  Garnon  gave  an  exhortation — Messrs.  Dur- 
ing and  Horton  concluded  with  prayer. 


CONTINUED    SUCCESS.  69 

'  It  was  a  pleasing  sight,  indeed,  to  behold  the  Church — that 
large  building,  almost  full :  and  more  pleasing  for  me  to  expe- 
rience the  presence  of  the  Lord  ;  which  I  believe  was  the  case 
with  many  of  us,  that  day. 

'After  service,  I  arranged  all  ray  people  again,  the  men  and 
boys  in  front,  the  women  and  gii'ls  behind,  and  my  wife  behind 
them  on  horseback;  and  thus  we  marched  through  the  mount- 
ains, the  men  and  boys  singing — 

"Come,  ye  sinners,  poor  and  wretched,"  Ac. 

'  And  the  women  and  girls — 

"  How  beauteous  are  their  feet, 

Who  stand  on  Zion's  Hill ; 
Who  bring  Salvation  on  tlieir  tongues, 

And  words  of  peaee  reveal !" 

^  Dec.  5.  Mr.  Gates  came  here  to-day,  who  is  recovering 
from  the  fever. 

^  Dec.  11.  Last  Saturday  at  noon,  I  was  afflicted  with  the 
fever,  which  continued  until  5  o'clock. 

'  On  Sunday  morning,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  During  joined  us,  being 
the  first  Sunday  in  the  month.  It  was  agreed  on  that  Mr. 
Gates  should  read  the  prayers,  Mr.  During  (as  I  was  still  weak 
from  the  fever  on  Stiturday)  to  perform  the  duty  of  preaching, 
and  I  to  marry,  baptize,  and  administer  the  Lord's  Supper. 
Accordingly,  I  married  four  couple — Mr.  Gates  read  prayers.  I 
baptized  five  of  Mr.  During's  people,  and  three  of  mine,  after 
which  Mr.  During  spoke  on  Acts  iv.  12,  and  I  concluded  by 
administering  to  about  eighty  persons,  the  Lord's  Supper.  At 
3  o'clock,  Mr.  Gates  spoke  on  1  Gor.  xii.  2.  When  Mi-.  Gates 
had  gone  through  the  subject  about  half,  he  was  overtaken  by 
the  fever.  He  turned  himself  to  me,  and  said,  "  I  am  unwell, 
be  so  good  as  finish  this  for  me,"  and  thus  he  went  out  of 
the  Ghurch,  and  I  finished  the  discourse  ;  when  I  also  was  taken 
by  the  fever,  and  the  people  were  obliged  to  keep  service  by 
themselves  in  the  evening,  I  and  Mr.  Gates  being  both  down 
with  the  fever.     On  Monday  morning  Mr.  Gates  found  liimself 

4* 


(TO  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

a  great  deal  better,  and  being  very  anxious  to  go  to  Wilberforce, 
he  went  there  on  horseback.  After  Mr.  C.  had  left  us,  I  was 
seized  with  violent  vomiting,  which  was  rather  alarming;  I  be- 
came also  delirious.:— no  medical  assistance  being  present.  A 
boy  was  sent  to  His  Excellency  the  Governor,  who'sent  imme- 
diately a  medical  gentleman  on  horseback.  In  the  evening  the 
fever  abated.  Had  a  relapse  on  Tuesday  evening  ;  but  thanks 
be  to  the  Father  of  all  mercies,  I  am  gaining  strength  very 
vapidly.  "  Gracious  is  the  Lord,  and  righteous,  yea,  our  God 
is  merciful.  The  Lord  preserveth  the  simple.  I  was  brought 
low,  and  he  helped  me." 

'  Dec.  14.  Divine  service,  ten  o'clock.  Observed  several 
strangers — enquired  who  they  were — was  told  that  they  had 
heard  in  Sierra  Leone  of  good  being  done  in  the  mountains, 
and  had  come  to  see.  Spoke  on  Zech.  xiii.  1.,  "  In  that  day 
there  shall  be  a  fountain  opened,"  (kc. 

'  The  church  was  crowded  as  usual.  Full  outside — did  not 
experience  that  freedom  I  expected.  Oh  could  I  but  lean  upon 
that  sufficiency  which  is  of  God ;  but  I  am  too  fond  of  my  own 
sufficiency.  By  this  I  experience  more  and  more,  that  "  it  is 
not  of  him  that  willeth,  nor  of  him  that  runneth,  but  of  God 
which  sheweth  mercy."  I  have  learned  by  experience  that 
when  I  have  studied  a  passage,  divided,  and  subdivided,  and 
am  thus  well  prepared  by  my  own  imaginations,  I  feel  no  power 
to  explain  it,  but  when  I  entirely  lean  upon  God  the  Holy 
Spirit's  influence,  and  thus  begin,  divisions  and  sub-divisions 
come  flowing  apace.  O  Lord,  enable  thine  unworthy  dust  to 
lean  more  and  more  upon  thine  influence.  May  I  be  diligent 
in  searching  the  Scriptures,  and  whenever  thou  perraittest  me 
to  stand  up,  in  the  name  of  my  dear  Jesus,  enable  me  entirely 
to  depend  on  that  wisdom  which  cometh  from  above.  May  thy 
grace  be  always  sufficient  for  me. 

'In  the  afternoon  spoke  on  Isaiah  Ixii.  12.  I  showed  as 
follows : — 

'1.  The  Election  of  God's  peojile.         "Holy  people." 

'2.  The  Redemption.  "Redeemed  of  tlie  Lord." 


COKTINUKI)    SUCCESS.  7l 

'3.  Effectual  calling.  "Shall  be  sought  out" 

'  4.  Final  perseverance.  "  A  city  not  forsaken." 

'  In  tlie  evening  I  spoke  on  1  John  iii.  1.  Here  I  was  more 
led  out  than  usual.  My  own  experience  came  to  ray  memory. 
Shewed  the  Father's  everlasting  love  (1)  before  conversion,  and 
(2)  after  conversion,  in  a  peculiar  manner.  Several  Avept  and 
were  much  affected.    "  Praise  the  Lord." 

'•Dec.  15.  I  heard  that  William  Davis  had  taken  up  his 
Testament,  and  gone  towards  Cockle  Bay,  where  many  of  his 
country  people  reside.  I  su2^pose  that  he  is  gone  to  speak  to 
them  of  Jesus. 

'■Bee.  17.  William  Davis  returned  this  evening.  Told  me 
that  he  had  been  to  his  country  people;  that  he  had  felt  a 
great  desire  to  go  to  them  for  a  long  time  ;  had  collected  them 
together  in  several  places,  as  they  live  dispei-sed  in  their  respect- 
ive farms.  Asked  them  why  they  did  not  go  to  hear  Mr.  Gates 
at  Wilberforce  ;  told  them  of  their  danger,  &c.  Some  replied 
that  they  could  not  understand  English,  and  could  therefore 
not  pray  to  God.  He  repliei^  that  God  knew  their  hearts,  their 
thoughts  and  tlieir  language  ;  that  he  heard  their  prayers  in 
their  own  language-  They  said  that  Ihey  never  had  heard  that 
before  :  they  thought  they  must  pray  in  English  to  God.  They 
promised  that  they  would  pray  to  God,  and  that  they  would  go 
to  Will^rforce  on  Sunday ;  also  confessed  that  what  he  said 
was  veiy  true. 

Dec.  21,  Sunday.  Half-past  ten — spoke  on  John  vi.  44. 
The  church  was  crowded  as  usual ;  more  outside  than  before — 
if  the  addition  had  been  finished  it  would  have  been  full.  In 
the  afternoon  I  spoke  on  2  Tim.  ii.  19. 

'  In  the  evening  spoke  on  Isaiah  Iv,  7,  8.  I  feel  much. 
fatigued ;  may  the  Lord  increase  my  strength  both  spiritual 
and  temporal.  We  have  been  much  disturbed  by  cries  and 
loud  prayers  this  day.  0  Holy  Spirit,  it  appears  that  there 
are  many  who  enquire  the  way  to  Zion ;  guide  them  by  thy 
counsel,  and  lead  them  the  right  way  to  a  city  of  habitation. 

'  Christmas  day.     I  had  informed  the  people  before  of  this 


72  MEMOIR    OF    JOnNSO>'. 

day,  and  explained  what  the  word  Christmas  signified.  It  is  a 
custona  which  has  no  doubt  been  introduced  by  the  Europeans, 
that  every  one  intoxicates  himself  on  this  day,  and  makes  as 
much  noise  as  possible.  The  practice  of  drumming,  dancing, 
firing  guns,  &c.,  is  carried  to  a  great  pitch  in  Sierra  Leone.  I 
had,  however,  the  happiness  to  observe,  that  not  a  single  person 
at  this  place  was  intoxicated  ;  nor  was  drumming  nor  firing  of 
guns  heard.  All  attended  Divine  Service  at  half-past  ten 
o'clock ;  and,  on  the  w  hole,  we  were  as  quiet  as  on  Sundays. 
I  explained  to  them  Isaiah  vii.  14,  "  Behold  a  virgin  shall  con- 
ceive, and  bear  a  Son,  and  shall  call  his  name  hnmanueV 

'  In  the  afternoon  we  went  to  Leicester  Mountain,  to  attend 
the  monthly  missionary  prayer-meeting.  About  400,  men, 
•women,  boys  and  girls,  went  with  me.  Mr.  During  having 
brought  some  of  his  people,  these  with  ours  and  the  children 
of  Leicester  Mountain  formed  a  large  congregation. 

'  Mr.  Garnon  opened  worship  with  prayer  :  I  spoke  on  Isaiah 
ix.  6.     Mr.  Gates  and  Mr.  During  concluded  with  prayer. 

*  Sunday,  Dec.  28.  Divine  Service  as  usual.  Spoke  on 
Mark  vi.  35.  In  the  afternoon  on  Matt,  xxvii.  35.  Evening,  3 
John  V.  4.  Enjoyed  much  of  the  prebcnce  of  the  Lord  this 
evening.     Praise  the  Lord  Jesus  for  his  mercy. 

'  Dec.  29.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Garnon  came  to  pay  us  a  visit — 
moved  into  the  new  house.' 

At  the  close  of  this  year,  Mr.  Johnson  could  thus  rejoicingly 
contemplate  the  rapid  improvement  which  had  taken  place. 

'  Our  place  is  become  a  most  romantic  spot.  It  is  surrounded 
by  high  mountains,  one  raising  its  head  above  another,  and  all 
covered  with  trees  and  bushes  continually  green.  Streams 
descend,  in  different  directions,  from  the  various  cliffs,  with  im- 
mense rapidity ;  and  form,  when  united,  a 'large  brook,  which 
runs  through  the  middle  of  the  town.  On  the  banks  is  a 
meadow  for  the  cattle  belonging  to  our  people,  which  is  always 
green. 

'  Our  liouse,  the  church,  and  the  school-houses  for  the  l)oys 


CONTINUED    SUCCESS.  IS 

:inJ  girls,  stauJ  together,  in  a  large  enclosure,  on  one  bill.  The 
remainder  of  the  hill  contains  about  twelve  acres  ;  and  has  been 
brought,  with  the  help  of  the  children,  into  a  state  of  cultiva- 
tion. I  think  we  shall  have  nearly  enough  provision  from  this 
farm,  next  year,  to  supply  the  schools.  We  have  now  planted 
it  full,  with  cocoa,  cassadas,  plantains,  bananas,  and  coffee. 

'  In  front  of  our  house,  on  another  hill,  is  a  part  of  the  town, 
which  extends  also  on  our  right  and  left.  Behind  us,  on  a 
higher  hill  than  ours,  the  Governor  has  erected  a  cottage, 

'  From  every  part  of  my  house  I  can  see  the  whole  town. 
Around  the  town  are  the  people's  farms.  From  these  farms  no 
less  than  eight  mountains  rear  their  heads,  and  form  a  chain 
around  us.' 

But  his  own  overwhelming  engagements  forced  from  him  the 
following  comj^laints : — 

'  The  work  of  mercy  is  still  proceeding,  but  not  without 
difficulty.  I  am  again  without  any  assistance.  I  have  hitherto 
kept  from  making  complaints  ;  but  am  now  constrained  to  do 
so.  My  spiritual  labours  increase  for  which  I,  unworthy,  can- 
not be  enough  thankful.  The  people  with  whom  I  have  to  do, 
are  as  babes  in  Christ,  who  stand  in  need  of  being  nourished 
with  the  sincere  milk  of  the  word,  that  they  may  grow  thereby  ; 
but  I  cannot  do  this  as  I  desire,  since  I  have  so  many  temporal 
affairs  to  look  after.  I  should  go  to  their  respective  habitations, 
at  least  twice  a  week,  and  speak  to  them  individually.  I  should 
watch  continually  over  them.  But  this  I  cannot  do.  Some- 
times I  have  not  an  hour  to  myself  from  Monday  to  Saturday, 
as  I  have  to  attend  to  brickmakers,  masons,  carpenters,  store- 
keeping,  cultivation,  land-surveying,  &c.  &c.  beside  our  schools, 
which  contain  409  scholars.' 


CHAPTER  IV. 


A.D.  1818. 


Conlinued  Successes — Triuls  and  Difficulties — Sickness  and  Death  of 
several  of  the  Missionaries. 

'January  3,  1818.  Nothincj  remarkable  has  occurred  during 
the  past  week.  Mr.  Garnon  is  still  with  us,  and  intends  to  stay 
until  Monday.  This  evening  at  the  iisiial  prayer-meeting,  1  was 
delivered  from  a  heavy  burden — Blessed  be  God. 

'  Jan.  4.  Divine  service,  half-past  ten  o'clock.  Married  four 
couple.  Mr.  During  had  joined  us  to-day,  also  Mrs.  During 
and  Mrs.  Garnon  being  here,  and  Mr.  Horton  came  at  church- 
time.  Mr.  During  read  the  prayers.  After  the  second  lesson, 
I  baptized  one  man,  one  woman,  and  one  infant  of  ]\Ir.  During's 
people,  and  two  women  of  mine.     I  spoke  on  Isaiah  xli.  13. 

'  1.  To  whom  the  promises  belong. 

'  2.  The  evidences — "  Am  I  one  of  those  to  whom  God  has 
said  these  words  ?" 

'  3.  The  promise—"  I  will  help  thee." 

*'  4.  The  many  tribulations  out  of  which  God  will  deliver  his 
people. 

'  5.  An  address  to  the  ungodly. 

'  The  Lord  was  with  us.  After  service,  I  administered  the 
Lord's  Supper  as  usual. 

'  In  the  afternoon  we  kept  prayer-meeting,  as  it  was  late,  and 
feeling  myself  much  fotigued  from  the  various  services  in  the 
morning. 

'  In  the  evening  I  spoke  on  2  Cor.  xii.  9.  Felt  much  fa- 
tigued, and  very  barren.  Oh  Lord,  teach  thine  unworthy  crea- 
ture. Open  his  polluted  lips,  that  his  mouth  may  shew  forth 
thy  praise. 

^  Jan.  Q.     This  day  is  my  birthday.     I  am  now  thirty-one 


CONTINUED    SUCCKSS.  15 

years  of  age.  Oh  !  how  short  appears  my  past  life — how  un- 
equal have  my  days  been  !  Who  knows  but  this  year  will  be 
my  last  ?  Lord,  thy  will  be  done  ;  only  prepare  me,  and  en- 
able me  to  be  always  ready — May  I  be  faithful  imto  death. 
Should  not  this  day  be  to  me  a  day  of  praise  and  of  thanks- 
giving ?  but  alas,  alas !  how  cold,  how  indifferent  about  spirit- 
ual things ;  nothing  can  more  meet  my  experience  than  that  of 
the  Apostle  Paul,  which  he  expresses  in  Eom.  vii.  "  When  I 
would  do  good,  evil  is  present  with  me."  Oh  !  wretched  man 
that  I  am. 

'  I  went  this  morning  to  Leicester  Mountain,  to  witness  the 
examination  of  the  children  before  His  Excellency  the  Gover- 
nor ;  after  which  I  went  to  Sierra  Leone  to  Mr.  Gates,  who 
waited  for  me  there.  .  From  thence,  T  went  with  Mr.  Gates  in  a 
boat  up  the  river  Sierra  Leone,  to  Bence  Island.  We  entered 
the  boat  about  3  p.  m.,  and  passed  Bence  Island  about  sunset, 
and  arrived  at  Captain  Welsh's  vessel  just  before  dark,  who  is 
taking  in  timber  near  Tumbo  Island,  twenty-two  miles  from 
Sierra  Leone.  We  were  very  cordially  received  by  Captain 
Welsh,  with  whom  we  stayed  all  night. 

'  Wednesday,  Jan.  V.  Visited  Tumbo  Island,  and  Bence 
Island,  and  returned  to  Freetown  in  the  afternoon ;  where  we 
met  Mrs.  Johnson,  who  had  come  down  to  spend  a  short  period 
with  Mrs.  Garnon,  also  on  account  of  having  been  afflicted 
with  a  bad  foot,  which  she  intends  to  get  cured  during  her  stay 
in  Freetown. 

'  Jan.  8.     Arrived  home  this  evening. 

^  Jan.  11,  Sunday.  Divine  service,  half-past  ten.  Crowded 
as  usual ;  spoke  on  Matt.  viii.  20.  Felt  very  dark,  and  found 
no  liberty  to  explain  the  heads  which  I  had  taken  from  the 
text.  Observed  several  people  from  Leopold's  town,  about  two 
miles  from  here. 

'  Afternoon,  spoke  on  Rom.  viii.  6 — 8. 

'  Evening,  Rev.  ii.  4.  Have  been  very  cold  and  dark  this 
day.  Some  appeared  much  affected,  but  for  my  part,  I  have 
experienced  a  very  dark  season. 


Vn  MEMOIIl    OF    .JOHNSON. 

'■Jan.  13.  Attended  the  Annual  Bible  Society  Meeting  in 
Freetown,  which  was  very  thinly  attended,  to  the  disgrace  of 
the  inhabitants.  I  could  not  help  giving  them  a  lesson  on  that 
head. 

''Jan.  15.  Last  night,  or  rather  this  morning,  I  heard  a 
man  praying  at  some  distance.  I  got  up,  and  went  into  the 
piazza;  but  could  only  understand  a  few  words.  After  he  had 
concluded,  I  heard  several  join  in  singing, 

"  To  Father,  Son,  and  Iluly  Ghost,"  &c., 

and  then  a  boy,  as  I  judged  by  the  voice,  began  to  pray,  whom 
I  could  understand  very  distinctly.  His  words  were  very  bless-  ' 
ed — "  Lord  Jesus !  my  heart  bad  too  iimch.  Me  want  to  love 
you — me  want  to  serve  you — but  my  bad  heart  will  not  let  me. 
O  Lord  Jesus  !  me  can't  make  me  good.  Take  away  this  bad 
heart !  O  Lord  Jesus,  give  me  a  new  heart !  O  Lord  Jesus  ! 
me  sin  every  day — pardon  my  sin  !  0  Lord  Jesus,  let  me  sin 
no  more  !"  Thus  he  continued,  for  ten  or  twelve  minutes. 
After  him,  another  boy  prayed,  whom  I  could  not  understand  : 
only  I  heard  him  make  mention  of  the  name  of  Jesus.  Another 
verse  was  sung,  and  then  a  man  concluded.  The  night  was 
delightful.  The  moon  shone  very  bright.  I  cannot  express 
what  I  felt.  I  went  to  bed  again,  but  could  not  sleep ;  starting 
every  now  and  then,  thinking  I  hoard  the  same  prayer  again. 

'This  morning,  I  incpiired  of  some  of  the  communicants,  who 
lived  that  way  in  the  woods,  but  I  could  not  find  who  they 
were.  Oh  !  may  the  Lord  carry  on  the  work  of  grace,  which  I 
believe  He  has  begun,  among  both  young  and  old  ! 

'■Jan.  18.  Divine  service,  half-past  ten  o'clock.  Married  six 
couple.  Spoke  on  Matt.  vi.  1.  While  I  read  the  prayers, 
several  appeared  very  drowsy.  I  took  the  opportunity,  and. 
asked  the  congregation  (when  I  pointed  out  the  spiritual 
prayer,  which  only  is  acceptable  in  the  sight  of  God)  how  many 
there  had  been  asleep,  while  the  rest  were  engaged  in  prayer. 
Several  immediately  began  to  cry  out  aloud,  and  I  had  to  give 


CONTINUED    SUCCESS.  77 

out  a  liynm,  while  tlie  door-keepers  carried   them   out,  -wlio 
trembled,  crj-ing  aloud,  and  could  neither  stand  nor  -walk. 

'  In  the  afternoon,  I  spoke  on  Matt.  xiii.  45,  4G.  Experienced 
not  the  same  liberty  as  in  the  morning. 

'  In  the  evening.  Rev.  iii.  19.  The  Lord  was  with  us— many 
appeared  affected. 

'■Jan.  19.  Went  to  Freetown  to-day.  When  I  returned, 
Avas  told  by  my  people,  that  Mr.  Kelly  the  school-master  had 
kept  no  school,  and  had  been  with  two  soldiers  (Europeans)  of 
the  African  corps,  the  greater  part  of  the  day,  drinking  rum. 
I  went  down  to  the  brick-field  (where  the  soldiers  reside,  who 
are  brickmakers,  and  instruct  our  people),  and  met  Mr.  Kelly 
coming  home  with  one  of  the  soldiers  intoxicated.  I  told  him 
tbat  1  wanted  his  assistance  no  longer,  and  that  he  might  pro- 
ceed to  Freetown  in  the  morning. 

'  Jan.  20.  After  family  prayer,  wrote  an  oflicial  discharge, 
and  sent  it  to  Mr.  Kelly ;  and  wrote  also  to  His  Excellency,  the 
Governor,  who  answered  my  letter  as  follows  : — "The  conduct 
of  Mr.  Kelly  having  been  so  very  disgraceful,  his  longer  stay  at 
Regent's  Town  would  only  injure  the  cause,  and  I  am  glad  you 
adopted  efiectual  measures  to  send  him  back  to  town.  lie 
shall  no  longer  be  employed  by  me  in  any  capacity." 

'  Jan.  22.  Went  with  the  people  this  evening  again  to 
Leicester  Mountain,  to  the  Missionary  prayer-meeting.  Mr. 
Garnon  was  absent,  on  account  of  Mr.s.  Garnon's  being  unwell. 
The  Church  was  full  again  :  Mr.  During  prayed.  I  spoke  on 
Matt.  X.  8.  ]\Ir.  Horton  concluded  with  prayer.  In  coming 
home,  the  boys  and  girls  made  the  woods  and  mountains  echo 
Avitb  singing  hymns. 

'  Jan.  25,  Sunday.  Divine  service  in  the  morning  ;  spoke  on 
Song  of  Solomon  i.  3.  In  the  afternoon,  went  to  Leopold's 
Town.  Spoke  on  1  Cor.  ii.  2.  Evening,  preached  at  home  on 
Matt.  ix.  1.3. 

'  Jan.  26.  Went  early  this  morning  to  Freetown  to  welcome 
Ml',  and  Mrs.  Collier,  and  ]\fr.  and  Mrs.  Decker,  who  had 
arrived  on  Saturday  evening.     In  the  evening,  I  went  with  Mr. 


78  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

Gates  to  Wilberforce.  Did  not  like  to  stay  in  town,  on  account 
of  a.  great  dinner  which  was  given  by  His  Excellency.  Was 
invited,  but  sent  an  excuse.  Spoke  in  the  evening  at  Wilber- 
force, from  Matt.  v.  20.  I  intended  this  day  to  proceed  with 
my  people  to  the  Sherbro  country,  but  hearing  yesterday  that 
our  friends  had  arrived  from  Englar.d,  I  postponed  it,  and 
intend  to  go  next  week. 

'  Jan.  27.  Returned  early  in  the  morning  to  Freetown. 
After  breakfast,  which  I  had  at  Garnon's,  I  was  again  attacked 
by  the  fever,  which  continued  until  two  o'clock.  About  five, 
returned  to  Regent's  Town,  accompanied  by  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Decker.  The  people  (when  we  arrived)  had  just  began  ftimily 
worship.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Decker  were  much  delighted  with  the 
singing. 

^Jan.  28.  Went  this  morning  after  breakfast  with  Mr. 
Decker  to  Leopold's  Town,  to  introduce  him ;  as  he  is  to  be 
stationed  there.  When  I  returned,  I  was  again  attacked  by 
the  fever,  more  severely  than  yesterday.  Was  a  little  better  in 
the  evening.  Mr.  Decker  kept  prayer-meeting  with  the  people 
in  the  evening. 

'  Jan.  29.  Had  a  very  uncomfortable  night — slept  very  little. 
The  fever  increased  in  the  morning,  and  became  very  alarming 
— continual  vomiting  and  delirium.  About  10  a.m.  the  fever 
abated. 

'  February  2.  The  fever  became  very  alarming  on  Friday, 
and  continued  until  Saturday  morning.  Had  no  relapse  since ; 
and  am,  blessed  be  God,  gaining  strength  again.  On  account 
of  my  illness,  Mr.  Garnon  came  on  Saturday  evening,  to  perform 
Divine  service  on  Sunday.  Had  this  evening,  the  monthly 
Missionary  prayer-meeting,  which  was  not  so  well  attended  as 
I  expected. 

'  Sunday^  Feb.  3.  Received  to-day  a  letter  from  the  Society 
— also  one  from  Miss  Bouffler. 

'  Feb.  4.  A  woman  came  to  me  again,  who  has  several  times 
before  applied  for  baptism.  She  said,  "  My  lieart  follow  me 
alwaj's.     Me  can't  do  good.     Me  heart  so  bad,  will  not  let  me. 


CONTINUED    SUCCESS.  79 

Me  want  to  serve  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  but  me  no  sahby 
[know]  liow  to  serve  him.  Me  fraid  too  much,  [very  much.] 
Suppose  me  die,  me  go  to  fire :  me  been  do  bad  too  much."  I 
asked  her  what  she  meant  by  her  heart  following  her  always. 
She  replied,  "  Me  no  want  do  bad,  but  me  heart  always  want 
do  bad,  and  so  follow  me  always."  I  pointed  her,  with  her 
bad  heart,  to  the  Saviour  of  sinners. 

'  Feb.  1.  Was  much  refreshed  at  the  usual  j^rayer-meeting, 
having  been  very  low  all  the  week.  Found  that  many  of  the 
people  complained  over  the  same — were  very  cold  and  indiffer- 
ent about  spiritual  things,  over  which  they  complained  very 
much. 

'  Sundai/,  Fth.  8.  Spoke  in  the  morning  on  John  iii.  15. 
The  Church  was  very  full — many  in  the  addition,  which  will 
soon  be  finished.  After  service,  spoke  with  Hannah  Cam m el, 
usher  in  the  girls'  school,  who  appears  much  distressed  on 
account  of  her  sins.  She  desired  to  join  the  Church — doubted 
much  her  interest  in  the  blood  of  Christ — feared  that  she  should 
go  to  hell  after  all,  &c.  I  told  her  that  she  should  be  con- 
sidered as  a  candidate. 

'Afternoon,  spoke  on  Matt.  iv.  21,  22.  The  Church  was  full 
again.  I  was  in  my  own  mind  much  refreshed,  the  people 
appeared  attentive.  May  God  the  Holy  Spirit  give  the  increase, 
and  may  he  have  all  the  glory.  I  fear  very  much  that  I  do  not 
give  praise  to  the  Spirit  of  all  grace,  for  what  are  exhortations 
and  sermons  without  the  aid  of  God  the  Spirit  ?  Oh  Lord,  thou 
mighty  teacher,  humble  me  thine  unworthy  creature  more  and 
more,  and  enable  me  to  give  thee  all  the  praise.  Give  unto  me 
more  wisdom,  and  reveal  unto  me  more  and  more  the  mysteries 
of  grace. 

'Evening,  spoke  on  John  xxi.  19.  Felt  much  fatigued — the 
Church  was  very  full  again — the  people  appeared  very  attentive. 
May  the  Lord  Jesus  have  all  the  praise  and  glory,  for  having 
enabled  me  once  more,  after  a  severe  illness,  to  stand  up  in  his 
name.     Oh  may  every  dispensation  of  Providence  be  sanctified. 

^  Feb.  14.     Mr.  Collier  came  this  morning  to  spend  a  short 


80  MEMOllt    OF    JOIIXSOX. 

time  with  us.  At  the  evening  prayer-meeting,  several  fomahi 
communicants  spoke  very  afFectingly — complained  much  over 
unbelief. 

*■  Sunday,  Feb.  \b.  Divine  service  half-past  ten.  Spoke  on 
John  XV.  12.  The  partition  wall  was  pulled  down  last  week, 
which  made  the  Church  as  large  again,  and  T  saw  it  almost 
filled  with  great  pleasure.  Afternoon,  spoke  on  Isaiah  Ixiii. 
25,  26. 

'After  service,  Hannah  Cammel  stood  by  the  door  of  my 
room,  desirous  to  speak  to  me.  She  said,  "  I  have  no  rest,  day 
or  night.  My  sins  are  too  many  [very  many].  I  am  the  greatest 
sinner  in  the  world.  I  don't  know  what  to  do.  My  sins  are 
more  than  any  other  person's."  I  tried  to  persuade  her,  that 
Christ  came  into  the  woi'ld  to  save  the  chief  of  siimers.  May 
the  Holy  Spirit  make  known  unto  her  the  ability  of  Jesus  to 
save,  and  give  her  guilty  conscience  peace  ! 

'Evening  service,  Rom.  viii.  14. 

'■Monday,  Feb.  16.  Went  to-day  to  Freetown  to  be  present 
at  a  meeting  held  by  the  Missionaries,  concerning  the  settle- 
ment in  the  Rio  Pongas,  which  is  to  be  given  um.  It  was 
resolved  that  Mr.  Renner  should  return  to  the  Rio  Pongas  im- 
mediately, and  bring  all  the  effects  of  the  settlement  to  the 
colony.  In  the  evening  returned  to  Regent's  Town  with  Mr. 
Collier. 

'■Feb.  lY.  Several  women  came  to  me,  and  spoke  concern- 
ino-  the  state  of  their  souls,  and  desired  to  be  baptized.  Some 
spoke  much  to  the  purpose,  and  gave  me  reason  to  believe  that 
the  grace  of  God  influences  their  hearts. 

'■Feb.  18.  A  communicant  came  to  me  this  evening,  and 
said,  "  I  often  ask  myself,  if  I  love  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  and 
I  cannot  answer  that  question.  You  said,  '  Do  you  love  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  ? — examine  yourselves.'  This  makes  me  fraid 
too  much. — I  think  I  no  love  him  yet. — I  fraid  too  much." 

Feb.  19.  Went  this  evening  to  the  Leicester  Mountain  with 
the  people  to  the  Missionary  prayer-meeting.  Mr.  Wenzel 
being  absent,  Mr.  Garnon  gave  an  address. 


DIFFICULTIES.  81 

Feb.  21.  Mr.  Gates,  who  havinij  been  here  since  the  Mis- 
sionary prayer-ineeting,  went  to  Wilberforce  this  morning-.  A 
special  meeting  took  place  yesterday  morning  at  Leicester 
Mountain,  concerning  Mr.  Horton,  who  is  desirous  to  leave  the 
settlement,  but  having  no  sufficient  reason  to  leave,  the  meet- 
ing agreed  that  they  would  give  him  no  permission. 

'  Having  been  much  tired  this  week,  I  found  myself  strength- 
ened this  evening,  in  meeting  with  my  people.  I  was  fully 
convinced  that  the  work  of  grace  was  cai-ried  on  in  their  hearts. 
What  a  mercy  is  it  that  love  and.  unity  reign  among  these 
children  of  God,  though  they  are  of  so  many  different  nations  ! 

'  Feb.  22,  Sunday.  I  addressed  this  morning  the  largest 
congregation  which  ever  met  at  this  place.  The  addition  to 
the  Church  is  finished  ;  and,  blessed  be  God,  I  saw  it  full.  It 
is  now  as  large  again  as  it  was;  and  no  sooner  finished,  than 
tilled  with  hearers. 

'  I  know  not  when  I  have  found  more  pleasure  and  liberty  in 
speaking,  than  on  this  day.  In  the  morning,  when  reading 
prayers,  I  felt  a  great  backwardness  of  spirit.  Certainly,  I 
could  have  done  anything  rather  than  preach ;  but,  blessed  be 
God,  who  protected  me  in  that  temptation,  and  opened  my 
mouth  to  speak  of  the  unsearchable  riches  of  Christ  to  poor 
black  sinners,  who  appeared,  I  think,  more  eager  after  spiritual 
food,  than  I  ever  saw  them  before. 

^  Feb.  23.  I  am  now  called  again  to -walk  through  deep 
waters.  One  of  the  communicants,  a  flaming  professor,  took  it 
into  his  head  to  marry  a  young  girl  who  is,  to  my  knowledge, 
in  an  unconverted  state.  I  advised  him  last  Sunday  to  make 
it  a  matter  of  prayer,  and  not  be  in  a  hurry  to  be  unequally 
yoked  together  with  an  unbeliever  ;  but  it  appears  that  it  has 
been  in  vain  ;  to-day  he  came  to  me  quite  in  a  passion,  desir- 
ing me  to  marry  him  to  the  girl,  which  I  of  course  refused.  He 
went  home  showing  much  dissatisfaction,  and  afterwards  sent 
another  man  to  tell  me  that  I  might  cross  out  his  name  in  the 
Church-book,  and  that  he  would  have  nothing  to  do  with  us 
any  longer.     Some  of  the  communicants  have  been  to  him 


82  MEMOIK    OF    JOHNSON". 

since,  but  all  in  vain.  I  am  afraid  that  he  will  prove  a  disgrace 
to  the  cause  of  Christ,  and  do  much  .mischief.  I  have  been 
much  tempted  since,  thinking  that  it  is  my  fault ;  had  I  mar- 
ried him  perhaps  all  this  would  not  have  come  to  pass,  but  the 
more  I  think  of  it,  the  more  the  following  passage  is  applied  to 
my  mind — "  Be  not  unequally  yoked  together  with  unbelievers." 
I  feel  therefore  bound  not  to  marry  a  believer  to  an  unbeliever, 
if  all  are  offended  because  of  me. 

'  This  evening  I  liad  a  meeting  in  my  house  to  consider  and 
examine  four  candidates.  Three  were  received,  having  given 
satisfaction,  that  grace  has  been  begun  in  their  hearts. 

'The  young  woman,  mentioned  on  the  15th,  told  me — 
"The  second  time  when  you  came  to  the  school,  and  asked  us 
what  we  had  heard  on  Sunday  in  the  sermon,  I  was  so  struck, 
that  I  have  since  found  no  rest  in  my  heart,  my  sins  are  so 
many.  All  which  I  do  before,  come  to  my  mind ;  and  I  think 
nothing  but  hell  can  be  left  for  me.  I  am  afraid  to  go  to  bed. 
I  know  that  Jesus  Christ  did  come  into  the  world  to  save  sin- 
ners; but  I  cannot  believe  that  He  has  any  thing  to  do  with 
me ;  for  I  am  the  greatest  sinner  in  the  world.  Nobody  can 
be  worse  than  I  am." 

'I  mention  this  circumstance,  because  I  had  been  led  to 
think  tlaat  my  speaking  to  the  school-girls  was  of  no  use ;  and 
had  neglected,  for  some  weeks,  to  go  and  speak  to  them, 

'^  Feb.  24.  I  visited  some  of  the  female  communicants,  who 
had  given  way  to  idleness ;  and  had  gone  to  others'  houses, 
talking  and  l^usy-bodying,  speaking  things  which  they  ought 
not.  I  found  that  this  had  arisen  through  an  evil-minded 
woman.  Such  persons  the  Great  Enemy  is  ever  ready  to  stir 
up,  that  they  may  make  mischief. 

'  William  Tamba  came  and  told  me  that  he  had  been  to  his 
falling  brother,  and  had  talked  to  him  concerning  his  delu- 
sion, but  to  no  purpose :  he  seemed  quite  hardened ;  said  that 
he  would  go  to  the  Governor,  and  get  married  in  town.  Tam- 
ba begged  him  not  to  forsake  the  means  of  grace,  and  to  come 
to  church.     He  answered  that  he  would  come  if  he  felt  in- 


TRIALS    AND    DIFFICULTIES.  83 

clined ;  accordingly  be  came  during  family  prayer  this  evening, 
but  he  appeared  so  dreadful  in  his  countenance,  that  many 
afterwards  expressed  their  surprise.  It  appears  to  me  that  the 
enemy  of  Christ  is  now  making  a  sharp  attack  on  us.  I  hear 
indeed  of  nothing  but  bad  news.  Another  man  has  quarrelled 
with  his  wife ;  and  it  came  at  last  to  blows.  This  also  has 
arisen  from  evil  people,  who  falsely  told  the  man  that  his  wife 
always  walked  about  from  house  to  house,  when  he  was  at 
work.     How  distressing  are  these  things  ! 

' "  Oh  that  my  head  were  waters,  and  mine  eyes  a  fountain 
of  tears,  that  I  might  weep  day  and  night,  because  they  have 
forsaken  the  laio  tohich  the  Lord  sets  before  them  .^"  May  it 
please  my  God  to  hold  me  up  under  this  trial,  and  those  who 
appear  much  distressed  on  this  account.  O  Lord,  turn  this 
evil  into  good  !  O  how  great  is  the  distress  to  see  a  flaming 
professor  become  an  apostate.  One  who  was  beloved  by  all, 
who  exhorted  others  to  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come,  appears 
now  to  set  his  face  against  all  that  is  called  holy,  O  how  is 
religion  dishonoured,  how  is  the  Saviour  crucified  afresh  !  How 
do  the  enemies  of  Christ  triumph,  and  what  fresh  occasion  is 
given  for  their  insult. 

^  Feb.  25.  Went  to  Wilberforce  to  spend  a  night  with  Mr. 
Cates. 

'  Feb,  26.  Went  from  Wilberforce  to  FreetoAvn,  and  re- 
turned in  the  evening  to  Regent's  ToAvn ;  am  still  much  dis- 
tressed on  account  of  those  who  have  left  God.  Had  but 
little  sleep  last  night,  and  the  night  before  last.  O  what  can 
be  more  grievous  than  to  see  flaming  professors  going  back,  as 
it  were,  into  the  world.  May  not  I  myself  go  also  one  day  or 
other  ?  Who  knows  whether  I  shall  not  bring  a  disgrace  upon 
the  cause  of  Christ  ?  Should  not  I  bring  a  disgrace  upon  reli- 
gion indeed,  if  all  those  were  to  go  back  whom  I  have  reported 
to  be  converted  ?  O  Lord,  I  pray  thee  hold  me  up  in  this 
trying  hour  and  I  shall  be  safe. 

'■Feb.  28.  I  am  still  much  distressed  in  mind.  I  am  some- 
times afraid  that  I  have  to  do  with  none  but  hypocrites ;  and, 


81  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSOX. 

moreover,  am  afraid  that  I  am  one  myself.  All  my  past  feel- 
irjf's  appear  to  me,  at  times,  as  if  tbey  had  been  only  my  own 
ima'^'-inations,  and  like  a  dream.  Oh  that  I  were  as  in  months 
jKist  as  in  the  days  when  Ood  preserved  7ne  ;  when  his  candle 
shincd  upon  iny  head ;  and  ivhen,  by  his  light,  I  walked 
throufjh  ddrhiess  !  O  God  !  restore  unto  me  the  light  of  thy 
countenance. 

^  March  \,  Sunday.  My  subject  was  John  vi.  37.  "  Ji// 
that  the  Father  giveth  me,  shall  cdme  to  me ;  and  him  that 
cometh  to  me,  I  will  in  no  wise  cast  outr 

'  I  baptized  one  child,  and  administered  the  Lord's  Supper 
to  about  eighty  communicants. 

'  In  the  evening  I  addressed  the  people  on  Matt.  xiv.  12. 
'■'■And  toent  and  told  Jesus."  I  found  this  evening  a  little 
more  peace  of  mind.  Happy  are  the  moments,  when  we  can 
go,  like  the  disciples  of  John,  and  toll  Jesus  our  distress  ;  and 
pour  out  our  hearts  into  his  bosom,  who  is  well  acquainted 
with  our  trials,  and  is  "a  friend  that  stickelh  closer  than  a 
brother." 

'  I  am  informed  that  Mr.  and  Mrs.  H.  are  about  to  leave  the 
Society,  and  go  down  to  Sierra  Leone.  Oh,  what  an  awful  step  ! 
Lord,  sanctify  this  dispensation  to  all  thy  remaining  servants. 

'  March  2.  Mrs.  Collier,  Mrs.  During,  and  my  wife,  went . 
with  our  and  Mrs.  Diiring's  school-girls  to  the  falls,  about  two 
miles  from  here,  to  give  the  girls  a  treat,  who  were  highly  de- 
lighted. Mrs.  Horton,  hearing  of  the  circumstance,  went  also 
with  her  girls;  she  had  had  the  fever  the  day  previous,  and 
consequently  was,  through  her  imprudence,  again  overtaken 
with  the  fever,  and  obliged  to  stay  at  Leopold's  Town,  and 
returned  in  the  evening  in  my  wife's  palanquin.  Mr.  Collier 
and  myself  followed  after,  and  joined  our  wives  Avith  nearly 
200  girls,  at  the  falls.  A  grand  sight :  the  water  descends 
from  a  high  rock,  shaded  on  both  sides  by  tall  trees. 

'  March  8,  Sunday.  The  church  was  full,  the  addition  and 
original  part,  by  half-past  ten.  Afternoon  and  evening  nearly 
full.     May  the  Lord  bless  his  word. 


KXPERlENCl:    OF    DIFFICULTIES.  85 

*  March  9.  Last  week  my  time  has  been  much  taken  up 
with  measuring-  out  lots  both  for  this  and  Leopold's  Town.  At 
the  latter  place  it  appears  that  the  lots  and  houses  have  not 
been  laid  out  regularly,  which  causes  great  confusion.  If  it  is 
to  be  regular,  it  will  be  necessary  to  break  down  all  the  houses 
which  the  people  have  built.  I  did  not  altogether  like  to  in- 
terfere, as  Mr.  Decker  is  superintendent  at  that  place,  lest  I 
should  make  him  uncomfortable.  It  being,  however,  the  de- 
sire of  his  Excellency  the  Governor,  I  could  not  well  refuse. 
Went  again  with  one  of  my  young  men  to  Leopold's  Town  to 
measure  out  more  lots.     Mrs.  Decker  appears  very  unwell. 

^  March  15,  Sunday.  The  church  was  full,  as  usual.  I 
bless  God  for  giving  me  somewhat  more  peace  than  I  have 
lately  had.  I  cannot  express  what  I  have  gone  through — no 
rest  by  day  or  night — whole  nights  without  sleep.  In  the 
evening,  I  felt  very  much  fatigued  ;  and  was  glad  to  think, 
that  I  should  soon  be  in  bed,  and  rest  my  weary  body  ;  which 
brought  to  my  mind  that  eternal  rest  which  remaineth  for  the 
people  of  God.  On  this  subject  I  preached,  and  was  much 
refreshed.  My  strength  seemed  to  be  renewed,  like  that  of  a 
weary  traveller,  whose  eyes  behold  his  home. 

' "  There  shall  I  bathe  my  weary  soul, 

In  seas  of  heavenly  rest ; 
And  not  a  wave  of  trouble  roll 
Across  my  peaceful  breast." 

'  March  16.  Went  again  to  Leopold  and  Charlotte  Towns, 
agreeably  to  the  Governor's  desire.  Directed  the  masons  at 
Charlotte  Town  how  to  proceed  with  the  house  for  the  super- 
intendent, and  also  gave  them  four  of  my  mason-boys,  that 
they  might,  if  possible,  finish  the  house  before  the  rains  set  in. 
Returned  to  Leopold's  Town  and  measured  out  some  lots,  and 
from  thence  returned  much  fatigued.  Found  it  good  in  the 
evening  when  I  spoke  on  Isaiah  xii.  1,  2.  The  church  was 
nearly  full. 

'■March  lY.  At  noon  I  met  the  school-girls.  The  young 
woman  mentioned  February  15,  and  22,  who  is  now  a  commu- 

4 


86  MEMOIR    OF   JOHNSON. 

nicant,  repeated  a  good  deal  of  the  discourse  delivered  on 
Sunday  afternoon — which  was  on  the  coming  of  Jesus  in  the 
flesh,  and  on  his  sufierings  in  this  world — and  another  girl, 
much  of  the  morning  sermon.  All  appeared  very  attentive. 
Twelve  women  attended.  After  dinner  I  gave  to  the  girls 
about  an  acre  of  land,  for  their  gardens  ;  which  they  received 
with  loud  acclamations.  Spoke  in  the  evening  again  to  as 
many  people  as  in  the  morning. 

^  March  21.  A  bullock  and  a  goat,  belonging  to  William 
Tamba,  died  to-day  ;  being  the  greatest  part  of  his  property. 
I  said  to  him,  "  Taraba,  you  have  had  a  great  loss  to-day."  He 
replied,  "  He  that  gave  them,  took  them  away  !"  He  appeared 
not  at  all  sorrowful,  but  cheerful ;  even  more  than  at  other 
times,  which  very  much  struck  me. 

'  This  evening  I  was  in  some  measure  a  little  refreshed,  but 
am  in  great  darkness.  I  went  again  yesterday  with  a  large 
number  of  people  to  Leicester  Mountain  to  the  Missionary 
Prayer  Meeting.  Mr.  Gates  opened  worship  by  prayer.  I 
spoke  on  John  xix.  30.  "  It  is  finished."  Mr.  During  con- 
cluded with  prayer. 

*  Sunday,  March  22.  In  the  morning  the  church  was  quite 
full.  Spoke  on  1  Cor.  xv.  20,  to,  I  suppose,  about  a  thousand 
hearers.  Notwithstanding  my  speaking  against  loud  cries  and 
trembling,  it  still  continues,  but  not  so  much  as  before ;  groan- 
ing during  the  prayer  has  also  ceased.  Afternoon  and  evening, 
the  church  was  very  nearly  full  again.  The  Lord  is  with  us, 
and  will  be  with  us,  though  many  trials  and  difficulties  arise ; 
we  are  brought  low,  yet  he  gives  tokens  from  time  to  time  that 
he  will  carry  on  his  work  in  spite  of  all  opposition.  Oh  may 
the  Lord  more  and  more  prepare  his  unworthy  servant  to  show 
forth  his  praise  from  day  to  day. 

'  March  2*7.  I  visited  several  of  the  female  communicants. 
I  will  mention  in  their  own  simple  language,  some  of  the  ex- 
pressions which  I  noted  down  : — 

'  E.  H.  "  Me  heart  trouble  me  too  much,  sometimes  me 
heart  so  hard  that  it  will  not  let  me  pray.     I  hope  the  Lord 


EXPERlEifCE   OP   SOME    CONVERTS.  8T 

Jesus  Christ  will  teach  me  more  and  more  to  love  him,  and  to 
serve  him ;  I,  poor  guilty  sinner,  thank  God  for  send  Jesus 
Christ  to  save  poor  sinners." 

*  M.  A.  "  Me  heart  remember  this  time  all  them  bad  things 
me  do  before,  me  bad  too  much.  Me  heart  trouble  me  too 
much.  Me  pray  Jesus  Christ  have  mercy  upon  me  poor  sin- 
ner !  make  me  to  love  Him  more,  more,  more  1"  I  asked,  "  Do 
you  understand  this  time  when  I  talk  God  palaver  ?"  (that  is, 
respecting  religion.)  She  said,  "  Yes,  me  understand  this  time, 
first  time  me  hear  when  you  talk,  massa,  sometimes  me  fraid 
too  much,  me  fraid  me  no  love  Jesus  Christ." 

'  M.  M.  "  Wicked  things  trouble  me  too  much,  me  want  to 
do  good  but  me  wicked  heart  can't  let  me.  Me  heart  run  awa 
all  this  week,"  (run  all  about.)  "  What  do  you  mean  Mary, 
when  you  say  your  heart  run  all  about  ?"  "  Suppose  me  pray, 
my  heart  run  to  my  country,  to  Sierra  Leone,  all  about ;  some- 
times them  things  me  no  want  to  remember  come  into  my 
heart,  and  then  me  can't  say  any  more,  but  Jesus  Christ  have 
mercy  upon  me,  poor  thing.  I  no  sabby  what  me  must  do,  I 
hope  Jesus_  Christ  Avill  save  me  ;  suppose  he  no  save  me,  me 
sabby  lost  for  ever.  Sometimes  you  preach,  massa,  me  tink 
you  only  talk  to  me,  me  say  in  my  heart,  '  That  me !  me  been 
do  that  thing.'  Me  fraid  me  no  love  Jesus  Christ,  yet  me  want 
to  love  and  serve  him  too  much,  but  me  bad  heart ;  me  tink 
sometimes  me  have  two  hearts,  one  want  do  good,  that  other 
always  want  do  bad.     0  Jesus  !  have  mercy  upon  me  i^oor 


smner 


1" 


'  S.  A.  "  My  husband  trouble  me  too  much,  massa,  he  no 
jiray,  he  no  serve  God  ;  suppose  me  talk  to  him  about  God 
palaver,  he  take  whip  and  flog  me,  me  have  trouble  too  much, 
trouble  too  much  !  but  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  help  me  to  take 
all  trouble.  But,  massa,  sometimes  me  fraid  he  no  love  me, 
and  me  no  love  hira.  Oh  may  he  teach  me  for  good  !  Sup- 
pose, massa,  you  no  come  in  this  country,  we  sabba  go  fire,  we 
be  sabba  nothing  (that  is,  we  now  know  that  we  should  have 
perished,  we  know  nothing  of  ourselves.)     We  thieve,  we  lie, 


88  MEMOIR    OS"   JOHKSON. 

we  do  all  that  is  bad.     I  thank  God  for  send  you  here,  for 
teach  us  poor  sinners  !" 

*  M.  C.  "  My  heart  too  wicked,  me  can't  love  Jeaus  Christ, 
me  want  to  love  him,  but  my  wicked  heart  won't  let  me. 
When  I  pray,  my  heart  tell  me,  '  What  you  pray  for  ?  Jesus 
Christ  no  have  your  prayers,  you  too  bad  ?  Me  no  love  my 
brethren  in  the  Lord,  me  do  not  know  what  to  do  to  love  them. 
Sometimes  my  husband  tell  me  something,  me  heart  no  like  it, 
it  rise  up.  May  Jesus  Christ  give  me  a  better  heart,  for  my 
heart  bad  past  all  hearts." 

'  S.  T.  "  Me  been  sick,  massa,  me  think  me  die,  me  fraid 
too  much  ;  me  think  me  no  belong  to  Jesus  Christ.  Me  want 
to  love  and  to  serve  him  too  much,  because  he  die  for  me,  poor 
sinner.  Me  heart  love  this  world  too  much,  me  pray  that 
Jesus  Christ  may  teach  me  more  and  more  to  love  and  to  serve 
him." 

'  These  women  are  amongst  the  communicants  last  received, 
and  are  all,  one  excepted,  of  the  Ebo  nation,  which  is  the  most 
savage  of  the  tribes  that  arrive  in  the  slave-vessels, 

'  Being  dinner-time,  I  went  home  intending,  after  dinner,  to 
go  and  see  those  who  live  in  Christian  street,  where  the  most 
communicants  reside.  About  4  o'clock,  when  I  was  about  to  go, 
the  man  who  waits  on  the  sick  in  the  hospital,  came  and  told 
me  that  a  young  man  who  had  come  to  the  hospital  yesterday, 
had  suddenly  died.  I  went  *to  the  hospital,  where  I  met  a 
number  of  people  who  had  heard  the  news.  I  thought  it  my 
duty  to  speak  to  them  ;  and  every  eye  was  fixed  upon  me.  On 
the  whole  those  present  seemed  to  be  much  affected  and 
alarmed.  When  I  had  done  speaking,  several  of  the  patients 
in  the  hospital  told  me  that  the  deceased  had  continued  to 
pray  whilst  he  had  been  in  the  hospital,  Mr.  Macaulay,  who 
has  returned  from  BuUom,  said,  that  he  had  asked  the  deceased, 
a  few  hours  before  his  departure,  how  he  felt  concerning  his 
soul  ?  He  replied,  that  he  was  a  great  sinner,  that  he  was 
very  bad,  but  he  trusted  in  Christ.  W.  Davis  visited  him  in 
the  morning,    and    said    that    he    appeared    quite   reconciled. 


TRIALS    AND    DIFFICULTIES.  89 

W.  Tamba  went  to  see  him  a  little  before  he  died.  He 
appeared  to  be  in  earnest  prayer.  Tamba  did  not  like  to  dis- 
turb him.  At  length  the  deceased  lifted  up  his  hands  and  said, 
"  Thank  Grod — thank  God  !"  He  then  began  to  vomit,  and 
expired.  This  poor  young  man  was  known  to  be  very  wicked, 
but  there  seems  hope  that  the  Lord  had  mercy  upon  him  in  the 
last  hour.  I  mentioned  the  circumstance  in  the  evening,  at 
family  prayer,  and  proposed  to  speak  of  the  death  of  the  de- 
ceased the  following  Sunday. 

'  March  28.  Went  to  see  some  communicants  in  the  after- 
noon ;  found  them  much  impressed  concerning  the  deceased. 
At  the  prayer-meeting,  W.  Davis  complained  much  over  the 
hardness  of  the  country  people.  He  intends  going  again 
to-morrow  morning,  after  prayer.  Also  Tamba  intends  going 
to  his  country  people,  and  speak  to  them. 

'  Sunday,  March  29.  The  Chief  Justice,  Captain  Appleton, 
two  American  Missionaries,  and  several  oflScers  of  the  African 
corps,  and  other  gentlemen  of  Freetown  came  this  morning  to 
Divine  service.  The  Church  was  quite  full,  it  was  supposed 
that  there  were  present  about  1000  or  1100.  I  spoke  on  Acts 
iv.  12. 

'  1.  The  necessity  of  being  saved  by  Jesus  Christ. 

'  2.  Ability  and  willingness  of  Christ  to  save. 

'  Found  not  the  same  comfort  as  when  I  preach  merely  to 
my  own  people.  The  Missionaries  were  delighted,  seeing  so 
many  black  faces  eager  after  the  word  of  God.  One  said 
that  nothing  less  than  a  miracle  had  been  wrought  at  this 
place. 

'  In  the  afternoon,  spoke  on  the  death  of  the  young  man 
who  died  on  Friday,  from  Matt.  xxv.  42. 

'  Spoke  in  the  evening  on  Hosea,  xiv.  4. 

^  March  31.  Spoke  to  the  girls  at  12  o'clock.  Asked 
whether  they  had  kept  anything  they  had  heard  on  Sunday  ? 
Almost  all  could  tell  me  something  of  the  discourse  in  the 
afternoon.     Some  spoke  with  much  affection. 

'  Aj^ril  2.     Went  to  Freetown  to  settle  with  the  supporters 


90  MEMOIR    OF    JOHXSOK. 

of  cnptured  negroes  since  last  quarter.  When  coming  home,  I 
spoke  to  the  children  at  Leicester  on  Isaiah  xii. 

'  A])ril  4.  At  the  usual  prayer-meeting,  I  was  much 
delighted.  Some  spoke  very  experimentally,  especially  W. 
Davis,  W.  Vydah,  and  Betty  Bridy,  and  several  others.  May 
the  Spirit  of  all  grace  have  the  praise. 

'  Sunday,  April  5.  Spoke  again  to  a  large  congregation 
this  morning,  on  Luke  ix.  62,  and  administered  the  sacrament 
to  76  communicants,  several  being  absent,  sick. 

'  In  the  afternoon,  while  explaining  Luke  xv.  2,  all  appeared 
very  attentive,  which  is  usually  the  case  when  the  unspeakable 
love  and  mercy  of  Christ  towards  sinners  is  the  theme.  In  the 
evening  the  subject  was  Romans  v.  20. 

'  April  6.  In  the  evening  we  had  the  monthly  prayer- 
meeting  for  the  success  of  Missions,  being  the  first  Monday  in 
the  month.  It  was  well  attended,  the  Church  being  nearly 
full.  After  service  the  subscriptions  came  in  better  than  on  any 
month  before.     New  subscribers  came  forward. 

'  April  13.  Having  informed  the  people  that  I  had  received 
some  cards,  and  would  open  school  again  to-day,  this  evening, 
after  prayers,  I  was  so  overwhelmed  with  scholars,  that  I  did 
not  know  what  to  do  with  them.  By  the  assistance  of  the 
Usher,  David  Noah,  and  some  of  the  Testament  scholars,  I 
formed  them  again  into  classes.  More  men  and  women  have 
come  to  learn.  I  thought  that  I  should  have  lost  some  of  my 
older  scholars,  as  I  was  obliged  to  stop  after  Christmas,  having 
no  school-books  ;  but  thanks  be  to  God,  that  he  still  increases 
the  desire  among  the  people  to  learn  to  read  His  Holy  Word. 

'  April  22.  Last  Wednesday,  I  met  with  an  accident.  One 
girl,  the  largest  but  one  in  the  school,  and  the  most  tiresome 
and  obstinate,  refused  to  obey  the  first  usher,  (Nancy  White,) 
and  did  more,  she  caught  hold  of  her  and  beat  her.  Ann 
M'Miller,  the  assistant  school-mistress,  interfered,  and  brought 
them  both  to  me.  I  saw  that  they  were  both  in  a  passion,  and 
told  them  to  come  to  me  after  breakfast,  and  I  would  settle 
the  palaver.     I  was  well  aware  at  the  same  time  that  the  girl 


TRIALS    AND    DIFFICULTIES.  91 

was  wrong,  as  she  had  beaten  the  usher.  As  soon  as  they  had 
left  my  house,  the  big  girl  began  to  fight  Nancy  "White  again, 
and  the  school-mistress  had  enough  to  do  to  part  them.  It 
was  then  high  time  for  me  to  interfere,  and  I  took  the  whip 
from  the  hand  of  the  school-mistress,  and  gave  the  girl  a  few 
strokes  over  her  back.  The  second  or  third  stroke  I  gave  her 
happened  to  strike  against  something,  I  don't  know  what,  and 
the  end  of  the  whip  caught  my  left  eye,  so  that  I  was  immedi- 
ately blind  with  it.  I  did  not  feel  much  pain  at  the  moment 
and  did  not  think  it  was  hurt  much,  but  the  girls  began  to  cry 
"  Oh  Massa,  your  eye,  your  eye  !"  which  alarmed  me,  and  I 
went  to  a  glass  and  beheld  the  apple  of  the  eye  covered  with 
blood.  I  received  immediately  some  medicine  from  Mr.  Macau- 
lay,  who  also  sent  for  Dr.  Hormonth,  of  Freetown,  who  recom- 
mended the  same  medicines.  I  was  in  a  few  minutes  seized 
with  most  violent  pain,  so  that  it  brought  on  fainting  and  sick- 
ness, and  the  other  eye  became  so  weak  that  I  scarcely  could 
see  anything.  In  this  state  I  continued  till  Saturday,  when  I 
saw  a  little  again  with  the  left  eye,  which  received  the  blow. 
The  same  day  Mr.  Gates  came  here  to  keep  service  on  Sunday, 
he  had  scarcely  however  arrived,  when  he  was  seized  with  the 
fever,  which  continued  until  Sunday  morning.  He  spoke  in 
the  morning  and  afternoon,  and  I  in  the  evening,  and  we  were 
thus  enabled  to  keep  service.  Mr.  Gates  left  us  again  on  Mon- 
day morning.  I  am  now  again,  blessed  be  God,  enabled  to 
perform  my  duty ;  the  eye  Avhich  suffered  is  still  very  weak, 
but  I  can  see  as  well  with  it  as  can  be  expected.  I  am  more- 
over constrained  to  say  that  it  is  good  for  me  to  be  afflicted. 
The  many  visits  which  my  people  paid  me,  made  the  bed  of 
affliction  a  bed  of  roses.  Many  sweet  conversations  have  I  had 
with  them.  Some,  who  before  appeared  to  me  doubtful,  have 
shewn  through  their  affection  that  I  was  mistaken.  All  things 
work  together  for  good  to  them  that  love  God. 

'  William  Davis  and  David  Noah,  the  ushers  in  the  boys' 
and  men's  school,  came  to  me  this  morning,  and  wished 
for   an  explanation   of  the   sin   against  the   Holy   Ghost.     I 


92  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

answered  as  the  Spirit  gave  nie  utterance.  They  went  home 
in  peace. 

'  April  23.  WiUiam  Davis  came  to  me  after  evening  prayer 
in  great  distress,  fearing  that  what  he  knew  he  knew  not  by 
heart-felt  experience ;  saying  that  he  thought  he  had  learned 
all  by  hearing,  and  not  by  the  Iloly  Ghost,  and  that  he  had 
heard  me  tell  them  last  Sunday  evening,  to  beware  of  vain 
repetitions  in  prayer ;  that  since  then  he  had  enjoyed  no  peace 
and  comfort  in  prayer,  he  was  always  afraid  that  he  should  use 
vain  words ;  also  that  when  he  prayed  to  the  Father,  he  was 
afraid  he  neglected  the  Son,  and  when  to  the  Sou,  he  was 
afraid  he  neglected  the  Holy  Ghost.  I  gave  him  explanations 
accordingly.     May  the  Almighty  Teacher  teach  him. 

'^  May  10.  I  bless  the  Lord  for  having  once  more  enabled 
me  to  go  to  his  house,  after  a  severe  illness.  The  people 
seemed  to  be  glad,  when  they  saw  me  again  among  them. 
My  subject  was  2  Kings  iv.  26.  "  It  is  loellP  All  appeared 
attentive ;  and  I  believe  the  presence  of  God  was  felt  among 
us. 

'■May  11.  After  the  Missionary  prayer  meeting,  the  sub- 
scribers paid  cheerfully  their  contributions.  Many  school-boys 
and  girls  brought  their  mites.  The  Missionary  spirit  appears 
to  increase.  May  the  Spirit  of  all  grace  prepare  some  of  these 
people  to  go  forth,  and  make  known  to  their  African  brethren 
a  crucified  Saviour ! 

'  A  school-girl  about  sixteen  years  of  age,  gave  a  most  inte- 
resting account  of  the  state  and  conflicts  of  her  mind.  She  said 
— "  About  three  months  past,  you  talk  to  the  school-girls. 
When  you  done  talk,  plenty  girls  go  and  tell  you  what  they 
been  hear  on  Sunday.  You  pass  me,  and  ask  me  what  the 
matter  that  me  no  hear  something.  Me  no  answer  :  but  me 
shame  too  much.  You  tell  me  that  you  think  and  be  fraid, 
that  me  never  pray  to  Jesus  Christ ;  but  be  careless  and  2>rayer- 
less,  and  going  down  to  hell.  When  you  say  this,  me  no  like 
it  at  all.  You  done.  Me  go  home.  Me  begin  to  fear  too 
much,      Me  try  to  pray ;  but  my  heart  came  like  stone,      Me 


TRIALS    AND    DIFFICULTIES.  93 

consider  all  them  bad  things  me  do  before.  Me  fear  more, 
more.  Me  no  sleep,  me  fear  me  die  and  go  to  hell  Since 
that  time  me  no  feel  rest ;  me  think  nobody  be  bad  past  me  : 
me  worst,  past  all.  But  me  tliiiik  now  that  Jesus  Christ  be 
strong  enough  to  save  me.  But  me  sorry  too  much  that  my 
bad  heart  is  always  against  me  :  it  will  not  let  me  serve  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Me  no  sabby  what  to  do  with  my  bad 
heart." 

'■May  13.  His  Excellency  the  Governor  came  here  to-day. 
He  led  the  conversation  while  we  were  in  the  garden,  to 
baptism.  He  wished  I  would  baptize  more  people.  I  told 
him  that  I  could  not,  unless  God  first  baptized  their  hearts. 
He  said  that  the  reason  so  many  were  baptized  on  the  day  of 
Pentecost,  was,  that  the  Apostles  despised  none.  I  replied 
that  they  were  pricked  in  the  heart,  and  that  I  was  willing  to 
baptize  all  that  were  thus  pricked  in  the  heart.  He  thought 
baptism  an  act  of  civilization,  and  that  it  was  our  duty  to  make 
them  all  Christians.  He  spake  in  great  warmth  about  these 
things,  and  I  endeavoured  to  show  him  thi-ough  Scripture 
passages,  the  contrary.  He  gave  it  up  at  last ;  calling  me  and 
the  Society  a  set  of  fanatics. 

'  May  14.  Mr.  Mills,  one  of  the  American  Missionaries, 
came  yesterday,  with  the  Governor.  Mr.  Mills  staid  all  night 
with  us.  I  found  it  good  to  be  in  his  company.  He  spoke  a 
h\v  words  to  the  people  ia  the  evening,  in  a  simple  manner, 
but  with  an  enlarged  mind. 

'■May.  30.  ,Once  more  I  am  able  to  lay  hold  of  the  pen, 
blessed  be  God  for  his  great  mercy.  Last  week  I  thought  my- 
self well  enough  to  go  to  Freetown.  I  went  but  had  only  been 
there  a  few  hours  when  I  was  attacked  by  the  fever ;  conse- 
quently I  was  obliged  to  stay  there  that  night.  On  Friday  I 
found  myself  better,  and  came  home  on  horseback.  As  soon  as" 
I  arrived,  I  was  again  attacked,  and  then  became  very  low. 
But  the  Lord  in  mercy  has  helped  me  so  far,  and  will  help  me 
farther.  My  wife  is  now  ill  again  :  having  caught  cold  as  she 
waited  upon  me,  which  brought  on  a  relapse.     Nevertheless 

4* 


94  MEMOIR    OF   JOIIKSON. 

may  all  our  trials  and  afflictions  only  turn  out  to  tlie  further- 
ance of  the  gospel  and  our  salvation.    All  will  be  well  at  the  end, 

'  Sunda//,  Moi/  31.  Blessed  be  the  Lord  who  once  more 
enables  me  to  stand  up  in  his  name.  I  still  feel  very  weak,  but 
he  who  said,  "  as  thy  day,  so  shall  thy  strength  be,"  revived 
my  soul  and  body.  The  prayer-meeting  in  the  morning  was 
numerously  attended.  The  church  at  half-past  ten  was  full. 
I  spoke  on  Gen.  viii.  9.  In  the  afternoon  Mr.  During  came 
and  spoke  on  1  Tim.  i.  15.  In  the  evening  I  spoke  on  Matt, 
viii.  IG.  The  Lord  was  with  us.  May  God  the  Spirit  bless  the 
word,  and  bring  poor,  heart-sick  sinners  to  the  Lord  Jesus  to 
cure  them  from  their  manifold  diseases. 

^  June  1,  1818.  Being  the  first  Monday  in  the  month,  we 
had  the  Missionary  prayer-meeting ;  and  the  church  was  full. 
After  the  meeting,  the  subscribers  paid  their  contributions  with 
cheerfulness ;  and  more  had  their  names  put  down  as  subscrib- 
ers. It  has  pleased  God  Avonderfully  to  work  on  the  minds 
of  the  people,  in  this  way.  It  is  not  yet  two  yeare  since  the 
gospel  first  came  to  their  ears,  and  yet  a  Missionary  Society  is 
formed  !  The  thought  causes  a  feeling  in  my  bosom  which  I 
cannot  well  express. 

'^  Jane  2.  Mr,  Gates  came  here  this  morning,  with  the  inten- 
tion of  staying  for  a  day  or  two,  and  then  proceeding  to 
Wilberforce,  to  get  his  things  ready  for  moving,  as  he  is  to  be 
settled  at  Leicester  Mountain.  In  the  afternoon  Mr.  Gates 
spoke  to  the  school-girls  on  Isaiah  xxv.  4,  after  which  several 
came  forward  and  told  what  they  had  heard  on  Sunday.  Some 
spoke  much  concerning  their  evil  hearts. 

'  June  3.  Went  with  Mr.  Gates  to  see  Mr.  Decker  who  is 
very  ill,  and  in  very  low  spirits. 

'■June  G.  Mr.  Gates  who  went  to  Wilberforce  on  Thursday, 
returned  to-day,  in  order  to  spend  the  Sabbath  with  us.  In  the 
evening,  I  hope  all  that  were  present  at  the  usual  meeting  were 
refreshed,  for  I  found  it  good,  though  I  was  very  dark  and  in- 
difi'erent;  yet  at  the  conclusion,  I  was  constrained  to  bless  the 
Lord  for  the  hour  spent. 


SICKNESSES.  9S 

'  Sunday^  Jiine  *l.  Notwitlistancling  tlae  unfavourable  state 
of  the  weAtlier,  the  church  was  full  at  half-past  ten  o'cloc]j:. 
Married  three  couple,  and  Mr.  Gates  read  the  prayers,  and  I 
spoke  on  Lam.  iii.  21  ;  after  which  we  celebrated  the  dying 
\ovQ  of  Jesus. 

'  In  the  afternoon  we  kept  prayer-meeting  on  account  of 
being  late — the  church  was  nearly  full. 

'  In  the  evening,  I  spoke  again  to  a  large  congregation  on 
Rom.  viii.  16. 

'Bless  the  Lord,  0  my  soul,  for  enabling  me  from  time  to 
time  to  feed  his  lambs  and  his  sheep  in  this  place.  May  the 
Spirit  of  all  grace  teach  me  to  comfort  his  dear  j^eople,  for  some 
stand  in  need  of  it  very  much. 

'■June  11.  Business  called  me  to  Freetown  yesterday.  Hav- 
ing not  finished,  was  obliged  to  stay  there  all  night.  Early  this 
morning  I  received  a  note  from  Mr.  Macaulay  Wilson,  that  my 
wife  was  dangerously  ill.  Left  Freetown  about  10  a.m.  and 
arrived  about  1  p.m.  at  Regent's  Town,  when  I  found  Mrs. 
Johnson  a  little  better.  May  the  Lord  bless  the  means  which 
are  used,  and  may  we  in  ever}?^  circumstance  which  may  befal 
us,  say,  "  Good  is  the  will  of  the  Lord,"  and  may  we  in  every 
trouble  fly  to  Jesus  for  support.  His  love  is  unchangeable;  it 
continues  the  same  whether  in  trouble  or  not. 

"  Midst  changiDg  scenes  and  dying  friends, 
Be  Thou  my  all  in  all." 

^  June  12.  After  evening  service  last  night,  I  was  attacked 
by  the  fever,  Avhich  continued  until  this  morning.  I  feel  quite 
well  at  present.  Yesterday,  when  I  came  home,  Mr.  and  Mi*s. 
Decker  had  just  arrived  from  Leopold's  Town.  I  had  directed 
thirty  men  to  go  there  early  this  morning,  and  bring  them  and 
all  tlieir  things  to  this  place,  as  I  thought  it  my  duty  to  inter- 
fere ;  this  being  the  nearest  place,  and  had  they  remained  much 
longer  at  Leopold's  Town,  they  must  have  fallen  victims  to  the 
climate,  as  they  appeared  entirely  in  a  forlorn  state;  they  are 
at  present  both  ill ;  they  will  remain  here  until  they  are  better ; 


96  MKMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

and  then  proceed  to  Wilberforce.  Mr.  Gates  c&ine  to-day,  in 
order  to  fetoh  the  remainder  of  his  things  to  Leicester  Mouni 
ain. 

'■June  13.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Decker  are  both  better.  Mi-s. 
Johnson  still  remains  ver}^  low,  which,  as  Mr.  Macaulay  says., 
arises  from  great  weakness.  I  have  had  no  return  of  fever.  I 
am  almost  afraid  to  go  to  Freetown,  as  I  frequently  bring  the 
fever  home. 

'  Sunday,  June  14.  Last  night,  I  was  again  attacked  by  the 
fever,  which  continued  almost  until  this  morning.  Felt  very 
weak  and  exhausted.  Told  the  people  to  keep  Divine  service 
at  half-past  ten  o'clock,  by  reading  the  prayers,  as  I  thought  it 
imprudent  to  keep  service,  on  account  of  my  great  weakness. 
When  the  bell  rang  the  church  was  crowded,  which  caused  me 
to  break  my  determination  ;  though  weak,  yet  I  could  not  see 
a  hungry  flock  going  away  without  being  fed.  I  went,  I  hope, 
in  the  strength  of  tlie  Lord,  and  preached.  When  I  had  fin- 
ished, I  felt  so  strong,  that  1  was  constrained  to  tell  the  people 
that  I  would  preach  again  in  the  evening,  which  I  did,  and 
found  myself  much  refreshed  and  not  fatigued.  Thus  the  Lord 
makes  his  strengtii  j>erfect  in  our  weakness,  both  temporal  and 
spiritual. 

^Jimc  22.  Mrs.  Decker  was  again  attacked  by  the  fever  last 
week — became  again  very  low  on  Friday ;  appeared  at  first 
very  distressed  in  mind — said  that  she  thought  the  Lord  Jesus 
had  forsaken  her,  she  enjoyed  no  comfort.  All  appeared  dark. 
I  endeavoured  to  point  out  to  her  His  unchangeable  love, 
referred  to  her  former  experience,  and  quoted  several  passages 
to  her  "which  came  into  ray  mind,  suitable  to  her  state.  A 
little  after,  she  expressed  joy  and  comfort  through  Jesus.  On 
Saturday,  she  became  speechless  and  senseless.  On  Sunday 
morning,  she  was  delivered  of  a  still-born  child,  of  which  she 
had  no  knowledge,  being  still  in  a  senseless  state,  and  about 
the  same  time  this  morning,  she  breathed  her  last.  The  dis- 
tress of  her  bereaved  partner  was  great,  yet  he  was  enabled  to 
bear  the  stroke  better  than  I  expected.     This  aft^^rnoon,  at  four 


SICKNESS    OF    THE    MISSIONARIES. 


97 


o'clock,  lier  remains  were  interred  in  tLe  burial-place  of  Regent's 
Town.  Messrs.  Collier,  Renner,  During,  Gates  and  myself,  all 
the  school  boys  and  girls,  and  a  number  of  the  inhabitants  of 
Regent's  Town,  followed  the  corpse. 

'  July  6.  Having  been  very  much  engaged  in  temporal  con- 
cerns last  week,  caused  me  to  delay  writing  my  journyl.  On 
quarter-day,  distributed  clothing  for  boys,  girls,  &c.  It  appears 
to  me  that  the  enemy  stirred  up  all  his  followers  to  tempt  me ; 
when  I  thought  I  had  conquered  a  mighty  one,  a  much  stronger 
appeared,  but  blessed  be  the  Lord  Jesus  who  causes  me  always 
to  triumph,  and  gives  me  the  victory  every  day.  Yesterday  we 
commemorated  the  dying  love  of  our  Jesus.  Mr.  Gates  and 
Mr.  Decker  were  present.  I  hope  we  all  found  it  good  to  draw 
nigh  to  the  Lord's  table.  One  woman  fell  upon  her  face  and 
wept  bitterly,  which  caused  much  disturbance. 

'  Or  Sunday  I  preached  iVom  Psalm  cxvi.  12,  13.  I  married 
James  Bell,  a  mason,  to  Hannah  Cammel,  usher  in  the  girls' 
and  women's  scliools — both  communicants,  and  the  finest  black 
couple  that  I  have  yet  married.  Their  dress  was  like  that  of 
Europeans. 

'In  the  afternoon,  Mr.  Decker  spoke  on  John  iv.  6.  As  it 
rained  very  heavily  Ave  had  fewer  hearers. 

'  In  the  evening,  I  spoke  on  Rom.  v.  1.  Two  men  wept  very 
loud.  This  evening,  we  had  tlie  Missionary  prayer-meeting, 
being  the  first  Monday  in  the  mont\i.  Not  many  people  pre- 
sent, as  it  had  rained  all  day.  Those  who  were  present  paitl 
their  contributions  after  service.     Spoke  on  Rom.  xv.  12. 

^  July  7.  This  morning  at  family  prayer  those  who  had 
been  prevented  being  present  last  night,  on  account  of  the 
heavv  rains,  which  had  swollen  the  brook  so  high  that  it  went 
over  the  banks,  came,  and  paid  their  contributions.  The  gover- 
nor's house  having  a  flat  roof,  suffered  much ;  and  the  water 
descended  in  torrents  most  of  the  night.  One  wing  at  length 
fell  down,  also  a  part  of  one  of  the  Building  Society's  houses 
fell  down.  Oh  how  dismal  are  such  days,  and  what  an  efi'ect 
they  have  upon  the  mind.     This  evening  it  rained  less  severely. 


98  MEMOIR    OF   JOHNSON. 

and  we  had  a  considerable  congregation  at  family  praj'er.  The 
evening  school  was  also  well  attended.  It  is  remarkable  what 
an  effect  such  weather  has  upon  these  people.  On  the  school 
list  twenty-two  men  and  boys  were  sick,  who  were  well 
before. 

*  July  8.  Went  this  afternoon  to  visit  Mary  Madee,  who  is 
very  ill.  She  has  been  ill  more  than  a  week,  All  that  was 
said  on  the  Sunday  before  has  been  on  her  mind  ever  since. 
She  thought  she  was  one  who  said  Lord,  Lord,  but  had  not 
done  the  things  he  commanded — she  was  afraid  she  would  be 
sent  to  hell-lire,  but  still  she  trusted  that  Jesus  would  have 
rnercy  upon  her ;  but  her  heart  troubled  her  much. 

'  July  9.  Went  to  Freetown  this  morning  to  see  Afr.  Collier, 
who  has  the  fever.  Was  obliged  to  walk,  as  my  horse  has  a 
sore  back.  I  think  I  am  (blessed  be  God)  as  strong  as  before. 
I  felt  a  little  fatigued  after  traversing  the  mountains.  Found 
Mr.  Collier  a  great  deal  better;  had  some  comfortable  conver- 
sation with  liim  in  the  evening. 

'  Mr.  Macaulay  Wilson  told  me,  that  one  of  the  commu- 
nicants had  quai'i-elled  with  his  wife  in  the  market.  He  had 
sent  for  him  twice,  but  the  offender  had  not  made  his  appear- 
ance. He  had,  however,  spoken  to  him,  and  he  seemed  much 
grieved  for  what  he  had  done :  but  as  his  was  an  open  oft'ence, 
he  thought  proper  to  acquaint  me  with  the  circumstance.  I 
spoke  in  the  evening,  after  family  prayer,  with  the  offender, 
who  appeared  very  sorrowful,  not  answering  a  word. 

'  July  11.  This  vnoxmwg  I  sent  for  one  of  the  communicants, 
who  had  neglected  family  prayer  for  some  time,  and  appeared 
careless  to  his  fellow-communicants.  I  reproved  him.  He  ex- 
pressed his  sorrow  with  deep  sighs  and  a  few  tears. 

'  In  the  evening  all  the  communicants  met  as  usual.  The 
half-yearly  accounts  and  the  Report  of  the  Benefit  Society, 
established  last  year,  were  read.  This  Society,  which  consists 
only  of  communicants,  has  been  the  means  of  promoting  love 
and  harmony.  Each  member  pays  one  half-penny  per  week  ; 
and  from  this  fund  those  members  are  supported,  who  are  either 


SICKNESS    OF    THE     MISSIONARIES.  99 

sick  ov  distressed.     The  contributions,  from  January  to  June, 
amount  to  £6  14s.  Id.  and  the  expenditure  £6  14s.  5d. 

^  July  12,  Sunday.  The  rains  came  down,  the  most  part  of 
the  day  in  torrents ;  and  we,  consequently,  expected  but  few 
hearers.  Before,  however,  I  had  read  the  exhortation,  we  had 
the  great  pleasure  of  seeing  the  church  full.  I  could  not  help 
feeling  for  the  females,  who  were  all  neatly  dressed,  but  wet 
through.  In  the  afternoon  and  evening,  we  had  the  church 
nearly  full  again. 

All  praise  to  that  Redeemer,  who  indeed  continues  to  do 
great  things  for  us.  May  Africa  soon  stretch  forth  her  hands 
to  God,  in  every  town  and  village !  Blessed  be  His  holy  name, 
the  promise  is  already  fulfilling.  What  a  happy  period  is  that 
in  which  we  live !  What  do  not  our  ears  hear  and  our  eyes 
see !  Have  not  many  prophets  and  righteous  men  desired  to 
see  the  things  we  see,  and  have  not  seen  them,  and  to  hear 
those  things  we  hear,  and  have  not  heard  them  ! 

'■Jicly  13.  Spoke  with  several  communicants;  they  seem  all 
to  have  the  old  disorder  ; — complaining  and  mourning  over  the 
depravity  of  their  hearts.  Well  may  the  Christian  exclaim — 
"  Oh  wretched  mau  that  1  am  !"  &c. 

'  July  14.  Mr.  Decker  had  the  fever  again  to-day,  which 
prevented  our  going  to  Wilberforce,  which  is  to  be  liis  station. 
My  wife  also  was  taken  with  severe  pain  during  the  night : 
being  acquainted  with  the  disease  I  gave  her  twenty  drops  of 
laudanum,  which  relieved  her  instantly.  Heard  from  ]\Ir. 
Garnon  that  Mr.  Wenzel  is  dangerously  ill. 

'■July  16.  Went  this  morning  on  foot  to  town  ;  found  Mr. 
Collier  very  ill,  but  very  comfortable  in  his  mind.  Walked  in 
the  evening  over  Leicester  Mountain,  where  I  stayed  a  few 
hours  conversing  with  Mr.  Wilhelm.  Came  home  at  ten 
o'clock  at  night. 

'■July  18.  I  received  a  note  from  Mrs.  Garnon  and  Mrs. 
Collier,  in  which  I  was  informed  that  both  Messrs.  Garnon  and 
Collier  had  the  fever.  I  also  hear  that  Mr.  During  is  unwell, 
and  Mr,  Wenzel  dangerously  ill.     This  is  certainly  a  great  trial. 


100  MEMOIR    OF    JOUKSON. 

as  their  wives  expect  every  day  to  be  confined.  Mrs.  Johnson 
would  fain  go  immediately  to  their  assistance ;  but,  being  very  un- 
well herself,  she  is  not  able  to  go,  as  it  almost  contiimally  rains. 
May  the  Lord,  in  mercy,  deliver  them !  May  weeping  endure  but 
for  a  night,  and  joy  return  in  the  morning  !  I  related  the  cir- 
cumstances to  the  communicants  in  the  evening,  and  requested 
them  to  lift  up  their  hearts  to  the  God  of  all  grace,  for  the 
afflicted  ;  which  I  am  sure  will  be  done.  May  it  please  God  to 
hear  our  petitions,  and  send  down  gracious  answers  of  mercy ! 

'■  Juhj  19.  The  church  was  almost  full.  At  the  prayer- 
meeting,  at  six  o'clock  in  the  morning,  William  Davis  and 
William  Tamba  engaged  in  prayer,  after  which  I  gave  a  short 
exhortation  on  the  Lord's  day,  and  concluded  in  prayer.  Not- 
withstanding the  heavy  rains,  the  church  was  crowded.  I 
spoke  on  Acts  xvi.  30,  31.  Married  one  couple.  Mr.  Decker 
spoke  in  the  afternoon  on  John  ii.  25.  In  the  evening  I  spoke 
on  Ezekiel  xxxiv.  11. 

'  July  20.  Went  this  morning  to  Leopold's  Town  to  see 
Mr.  and  Mis.  Renner.  Met  two  boys  who  told  me  that  Mr. 
Ilenner  had  met  with  an  accident,  and  that  they  were  sent  for 
Mr.  M.  Wilson.  'My.  Wilson  followed  me  immediately.  We 
went  over  Dathurst  Town  ;  the  superintendent  who  went  there 
last  week  was  confined  with  the  fever.  I  went  on,  and  found 
Mr.  Renner  suftering  under  violent  pain,  having  fallen  down 
with  a  ladder,  and  thus  hurt  one  foot.  Mr.  M.  Wilson  follow- 
ed me,  after  having  administered  medicine,  to  Bathurst.  lie 
thinks  that  the  bone  of  Mr.  Renner's  heel  is  broken.  When  I 
came  home,  I  was  caught  in  a  heavy  shower  of  rain.  Received 
three  notes  from  Mr.  During,  Mr.  Garnon  and  Mr.  Collier,  in 
which  I  was  informed  that  Mr.  During  had  the  fever,  and  Mr. 
Garnon  and  Collier  very  ill  with  the  same  disease.  I  intended 
to  go  in  the  afternoon  through  Gloucester  to  Freetown,  but  the 
rains  prevented  me,  and  having  got  wet  already,  thought  it 
]>rudcnt  to  stay  at  home.  I  shall  endeavour,  if  possible,  to  go 
to-morrow. 

'  July  23.     I   went   vesterdav  morning  to    Freetown ;   and 


SICKNESS    OF    THE    MISSIONARIES.  101 

found  Mr.  Garnon,  and  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Collier,  very  ill.  It  was  a 
scene  to  me  of  much  grief,  yet  of  mucli  comfort,  as  I  found  them 
all  composed  and  happy  in  their  Lord  and  Saviour.  I  also  went 
to  see  Mr.  Wenzel,  Avho  is,  I  think,  not  likely  to  recover.  May 
the  Lord  prepare  him  for  that  solemn  change,  which  he  is, 
most  likely,  soon  to  imdergo  ! 

'  I  stayed  up  all  night  with  Mr.  Garnon,  and  Mr.  Wilhelm 
with  Mr.  Collier.  Came  home  this  morning.  Spoke  this  even- 
ing to  a  considerable  congregation — pointed  out  to  them  the 
unspeakable  mercies  we  enjoy  at  this  place, — how  the  Lord  has 
been  with  us,  not  a  service  has  been  neglected  since  I  have 
been  here.  If  I  have  been  prevented  by  illness,  the  people 
themselves,  or  some  other,  have  kept  service.  Oh  what  a 
mercy, — "  what  shall  we  render  unto  the  Lord  for  all  his  bene- 
fits towards  us !" 

'  Sunday^  July  26.  Service  as  usual.  Spoke  on  Col.  iii. 
10.  I  did  not  finish  the  explanation  of  several  heads  which  I 
had  taken,  and  consequently  spoke  again  in  the  evening  on  the 
same  text,  and  with  more  freedom  and  pleasure  than  in  the 
morning. 

'  Mr.  Decker  preached  in  the  afternoon.  I  received  a  note 
from  Mr.  Gates,  in  which  we  were  informed  that  Mrs.  Collier 
was  unwell,  and  that  she  begged  much  the  assistance  of  Mrs. 
Johnson.  Ordered  eight  men  to  take  Mrs.  J.  in  her  palankeen 
to  Freetown. 

'■July  21.  I  received  a  note  from  Mr.  Gates,  saying  that 
Mrs.  Gates  was  a  little  better,  but  that  Mr.  Garnon  continued 
very  ill.     Mr.  Collier  also  has  the  fever  still. 

'  July  29.  Yesterday  morning,  I  received  a  note  from  Mr. 
Gates,  in  which  I  was  informed  of  the  death  of  Mrs.  Collier ; 
and  was  requested  to  come  down  and  read  the  funeral  service 
over  the  remains.  I  went  immediately  ;  and  called  first  at  Mr. 
Garnon's.  I  perceived  something  in  his  countenance,  which 
j^ersuaded  me  that  death  was  not  far  oflf.  He  appeared  to  be 
sensible  at  that  moment,  and  asked  me  whether  all  were  well 
in  the  mountains.     I  went  then  to  see  Mr.  Collier,  who  had 


102  MEMOIR    OF   JOnNSON. 

the  fever ;  but  bore  tlie  great  loss  of  his  partner  with  much 
fortitude. 

'After  a  while,  Mr,  Gates  and  myself  went  to  see  Mr. 
Wenzel ;  who  is  very  ill,  and  not  collected  in  mind. 

'  About  five  o'clock  in  the  evening,  just  before  we  proceeded 
to  bury  the  remains  of  Mrs.  Collier,  a  sudden  change  took 
place  in  Mr.  Garnon.  Mr,  Gates  went  immediately  for  medi- 
cal assistance  ;  when  all  means  possible  were  used  to  rouse  him. 

'  I  left  them,  and  proceeded  with  the  funeral.  When  I 
returned,  I  found  Mrs.  Garnon  in  the  greatest  distress.  Mr. 
Gates  staid  with  Mr.  Garnon,  and  I  went  to  Mrs.  Garnon, 
and  endeavoured  to  prepare  her  mind  for  the  stroke.  Several 
more  being  present,  we  prayed  with  her,  and  she  was  soon  com- 
posed, beyond  my  expectation.  I  cannot  indeed  express  with 
what  fortitude  this  amiable  and  pious  woman  met  this  very 
sore  affliction.  About  nine  o'clock,  the  groans  of  Mr.  Garnon 
became  very  loud,  so  that  Mrs.  Garnon  could  hear  them,  and 
we  thought  it  best  to  remove  her.  Mr.  Macaulay  Wilson,  who 
came  with  me  in  the  morning,  offered  his  house.  We  then 
got  Mrs,  Garnon  into  the  palankeen,  and  carried  her  thence. 

'  Mr.  During  and  myself  staid  up  with  Mr.  Garnon.  About 
three  o'clock  in  the  morning,  he  appeared  to  be  breathing  his 
last.  I  called  Mr.  Gates  out  of  the  adjoining  room  ;  and  Mr. 
During,  Mr,  Gates,  and  myself,  beheld  him  departing  a  few 
minutes  after. 

'About  six  o'clock,  I  went  to  inform  Mrs.  Garnon  of  the 
awful  event.  When  I  entered  the  house,  she  asked,  quite 
composedly,  how  it  was,  I  answered,  "  It  is  as  you  expected." 
She  asked  also  when  he  died,  which  I  stated  to  her,  and  she 
was  wonderfully  supported.  I  went  also  to  his  Excellency  the 
Governor,  and  informed  him  of  the  circumstance ;  who  desired 
that  Mrs,  Garnon  might  come  for  a  short  time  to  his  house. 
Before  I  had  conveyed  the  Governor's  wishes  to  Mrs,  Garnon, 
he  had  sent  for  her, 

'This  afternoon  we  committed  the  remains  of  Mr.  Garnon 
to  the  ground.     A  number  of  people  from  Regent's,  Glouces- 


SICKNESS    OF    THE     MISSIONARIES.  103 

ter,  and  Leopold  Towns,  and  Leicester  Mountain,  were  present. 
Little  did  I  think,  when  I  came  down  yesterday  to  bury  Mrs. 
Collier,  that  to-day  I  should  have  to  bury  Mr.  Garnon. 

'But  what  shall  we  say? — Ood  is  still  our  refuge  and 
strength,  a  very  present  help  in  trouble.  Therefore  loill  we  not 
fear,  though  the  earth  he  moved. 

^  Juhj  31.  Went  several  times  to  see  Mr.  Wenzel,  who  is 
apparently  in  a  dying  state ;  and  still  senseless.  I  felt  very 
desirous  to  go  home  to  see  my  people,  but  was  prevented  by 
continual  rains.  Some  have  been  inquiring  after  me  already ; 
if  I  do  not  go  soon,  they  will  come  and  fetch  me. 

'  August  1.  I  went  this  morning,  with  the  Governor,  to 
Regent's  Town.  His  Excellency  desired  me  to  hold  Divine 
service  in  Freetown,  to-morrow.  When  my  people  heard  that 
I  was  going  again  to  Freetown,  the  place  was  in  an  uproar.  I 
told  them  that  I  would  return  in  the  afternoon,  and  administer 
the  Lord's  Supper,  and  also  preach  to  them.  This  would  not 
satisfy  them.  They  said,  that,  as  Mr.  Garnon  was  dead,  they 
were  afraid  that  I  would  stay  in  Freetown,  and  leave  them.  I 
assured  them  that  I  would  not  leave  them.  They  answered, 
that  if  I  stayed  at  Freetown,  they  would  follow  me.  The 
Governor  came  down  from  his  house ;  several  went  to  meet 
him,  to  tell  him  that  I  should  not  go.  I  received  also  a  note 
from  one,  in  which  was  written — "  Mr.  Johnson,  if  you  go,  we 
all  follow  you."  I  told  the  Governor,  who  persuaded  and  as- 
sured them,  that  I  should  come  back.  They  said  that  if  I  did 
not  come  to-morrow,  they  would  come  and  fetch  me  on 
Monday. 

'The  Governor  went  on  to  Bathurst  and  Leopold.  I  left 
Regent's  Town  about  ten  o'clock  for  Freetown  ;  when  I  met  a 
messenger  with  two  notes,  one  from  the  Governor,  and  the 
other  from  Mr.  Gates,  in  which  I  was  informed  of  the  death  of 
Mr.  Wenzel,  and  requested  to  attend  the  funeral  at  four  o'clock 
that  evening.  What  mysterious  Providence  !  Good  is  the 
will  of  the  Lord.  Be  thou  always  ready !  -Warn  sinners 
daily  to  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come.     Point  them  to  Jesus  I 


104  MEMOIU    OF   JOHNSON. 

Forget  not  the  words  of  thy  Saviour,  which  he  spoke  in  Geth- 
semane  !     Watch  and  pray. 

'■Aug.  2,  Sunday.  Began  service  a  little  before  10  a.m.  at 
Freetown.  The  Governor,  some  officers,  and  soldiers,  and 
some  inhabitants  were  jiresent.  Spoke  on  Acts  xix.  2.  I 
think  my  discourse  was  not  much  liked.  I  saw  the  officers 
laughing,  and  I  believe  they  would  have  left  the  place.  One 
Avent  out.  Mr.  Gates  thought  they  would  not  ask  me  again, 
or  if  they  did,  I  must  have  a  new  congregation.  I  found  it 
hard  work  to  speak  to  a  people  who  seemed  to  be  blind  and 
deaf.     The  black  soldiers  appeared  a  little  attentive. 

'  A  little  after  twelve  o'clock,  I  proceeded  to  Regent's  Town, 
and  I  felt  as  if  I  had  come  into  another  world.  Several  of  the 
people  met  me  on  the  hill,  and  when  I  came  down  to  Mr.  Mac- 
aulay  Wilson's  house,  I  saw  it  crowded,  and  heard  them  sing- 
ing a  hymn.  Mr.  During  joined  us  with  six  people,  and  we 
celebrated  the  dying  love  of  our  Jesus.  All  the  communicants, 
except  a  few,  were  present.  I  spoke  to  tbe  church-full  of 
hearers  on  Matt.  xi.  28. 

'  In  the  evening,  I  spoke  on  the  death  of  our  friends,  from 
Heb.  ix.  27.  The  church  was  full.  The  whole  congregation 
appeared  to  draw,  as  it  were,  every  word  from  my  lips.  What 
a  blessing  it  is  to  have  attentive  hearers.  I  believe  more  now 
than  ever  I  did,  that  God  has  much  people  among  the  liberated 
negroes. 

^  Aug.  3.  This  evening  we  had  tlie  Missionary  prayer- 
meeting.  Contributions,  as  usual,  paid  in  with  cheerfulness.  I 
spoke  on  Isaiah  xxvii.  12. 

'■Aug.  5.  This  morning,  at  family-prayer,  I  pleaded  the 
cause  of  a  poor  woman  who  had  lost  her  husband,  is  left 
destitute  of  every  thing ;  and  expects  every  day  to  be  confined. 
I  called  on  my  hearers  to  give  a  Httle,  if  only  a  halfpenny. 
Those  who  had  money  with  them,  gave  it ;  and  others  went 
home  and  brought  it ;  and  I  was  very  happy  to  have  soon 
after  1/  6*.  5d.  in  my  possession,  for  this  poor  woman. 

^  Aug.  30,  Sunday.     Notwithstanding  the  heavy  rains,  the 


CONTINUANCE    OP   SUCCESS.  105 

church  was  full  at  all  the  services.  In  the  evening,  I  addressed 
the  people  on  Luke  vi.  37.  Forgive,  and  ye  shall  be  forgiven. 
A  dispute  had  taken  place  among  some  of  the  communicants. 
I  trust  the  discourse  had  the  desired  effect ;  for,  after  service, 
the  parties  expressed  their  sorrow,  forgave  each  other,  and 
peace  was  restored. 

'■Aug.  31.  Among  sixteen  candidates  for  baptism,  are  nine 
schoolgirls.  The  simple  but  striking  evidences  which  they 
give,  of  the  influence  of  Divine  grace  on  their  minds,  I  cannot 
describe.  My  heart  was  so  full  sometimes,  that  I  was  scarcely 
able  to  restrain  myself. 

'  I  will  remark  that  a  little  girl  which  my  wife  took  into  oUr 
house  two  years  ago,  is  amongst  the  school-girls.  Mrs.  John- 
son gave  her  the  name  of  Hagar  Johnson  ;  I  was  much 
against  her  being  received,  as  she  is  only  eleven  years  old. 
However,  I  could  not  bring  anything  against  her  conduct,  and 
she  gave  so  clear  evidence  of  grace  being  begun  in  her  heart, 
that  all  the  members  were  astonished,  and  she  was  received.  I 
still  opposed,  but  was,  after  a  long  consultation,  obliged  to 
submit.  I  have  found  her  often  on  her  knees  praying 
and  weeping;  she  will  go  like  an  aged  Christian  to  visit 
the  sick  and  she  shews  great  attention  towards  me  and  my 
wife. 

^  Sejot.  1.  This  evening,  we  met  again  in  my  house.  Eight 
persons  more  were  added,  which  makes  in  all  twenty-four. 
Several  who  were  not  received,  showed  evidently  that  the  work 
of  grace  had  been  begun ;  but  as  their  knowledge  and  views 
of  Jesus  were  not  clear,  we  advised  them  to  wait  a  little  long- 
er, to  attend  on  the  means  of  grace,  and  pray  God  the  Holy 
Ghost  to  teach  them.  It  was  twelve  o'clock  before  we  had 
come  to  a  conclusion. 

'  Sept.  2.  I  went  to  Freetown,  and  had  a  farewell  meeting 
with  Mrs.  Garnon,  who  sailed  for  England  at  six  o'clock.  I 
found  it  hard  to  part  with  one,  whose  Christian  affection  and 
sympathy  in  trials  past,  have  been  as  oil  of  consolation  to  my 
soul.     May  the  God  of  Jacob  be  with  her ! — Never  will  she  be 


100  MKMOIR    OF   JOHNSON. 

forgotten  by  me,  nor  by  my  j^eople,  who  made  it  a  rule  to  play 
for  her  regularly. 

'  Sept.  3.  Uaving  once  more  an  opportunity  to  go  on  board, 
I  went  again  to  see  Mrs.  Garnon.  Was  soon  after  seized  with 
vomiting,  so  that  my  visit  became  very  disagreeable.  The 
fever  coming  on,  I  was  obliged  with  great  reluctance  to  leave 
the  ship.  When  I  came  on  shore,  I  was  so  ill  that  I  could 
scarcely  see  the  streets  and  houses.  I  thought  1  should  have 
fallen  down  every  moment;  however,  I  got  to  Mrs.  Garnon's 
house,  where  my  wife  received  me,  and  assisted  me  to  get  to 
bed.  About  2  p.m.  the  fever  went  oft',  and  I  thought  it  advisa- 
ble to  go  to  Regent's  Town.  Accordingly,  about  half-past 
four  I  went  on  horseback,  and  arrived  about  half-past  six  p.M. 
Some  of  my  people  received  me  with  joy,  and  said  that  they 
had  heard  I  was  sick  too  much,  and  were  glad  to  see  me ;  they 
begged  that  I  would  not  go  to  Freetown  again,  as  I  always  got 
sick  when  I  went. 

'  Sept.  5.  This  evening  all  the  communicants  and  candi- 
dates met  in  the  church  at  the  usual  time.  After  singing  a 
hymn  and  prayer,  William  Davis  rose  and  addressed  the  meet- 
ing; his  ideas  were  plain  and  simple,  but  very  ■  instructive  and 
pointed.  When  he  had  concluded,  I  spoke  a  few  words  to  the 
candidates.  Several  of  the  candidates  desired  to  speak,  but  as 
it  was  late  we  concluded  by  singing  and  prayer. 

'  Sept.  6,  Sunday.  Divine  service  at  half-past  ten  o'clock. 
The  first  seats  were  filled  at  half-past  nine.  Being  a  fine  day, 
we  were  completely  crowded,  as  on  fine  days  we  have  generally 
strangers  from  other  towns.  The  vestry,  the  stairs  of  the 
gallery,  the  tower  and  the  windows  were  all  full.  Some  of  the 
seats  which  were  filled  in  the  passages  broke  down,  being  over- 
burdened. When  I  entered  the  church  and  saw  the  multi- 
tudes, I  could  hardly  refrain  myself,  for  my  heart  was  full. 

'  I  married  one  couple ;  read  the  Church  service  ;  spoke  on 
1  Cor.  ii.  2 — 6.  I  administered  the  Lord's  Supper  to  seventy 
persons.  The  candidates  sat  behind  and  looked  on.  In  the 
afternoon,  I  spoke  on  1  Peter  ii.  V.     All  were  attentive.     Groan- 


CONTINUANCE    OF    SUCCESS.  107 

ings  and  loud  prayers  have  at  length  ceased  to  be  heard  among 
us.     It  is  now  a  rare  case. 

'  After  service,  I  saw  a  considerable  number  of  boys  and 
girls  going  into  a  field.  I  went  to  the  top  of  my  house  to 
watch  their  motions.  I  saw  the  boys  go  to  the  right,  and  the 
girls  to  the  left,  and  at  length  beheld  them  all  behind  different 
bushes  upon  their  knees.  Others  went  out  of  the  school-house 
and  prayed  behind  the  Cascade-bushes.  May  God  the  Holy- 
Spirit  teach  them  how  to  pray.  There  appears  to  be  a  great 
stir  among  them. 

'  In  the  evening  I  spoke  on  Heb.  xiii.  V — 9.  After  service, 
I  was  told  that  the  school-boys,  wished  to  speak  to  me,  one 
boy  stepped  forward  and  said  that  they-  had  been  in  the  field 
to  pray,  and  that  they  did  not  know  how  ;  but  they  had  heard 
that  Jesus  prayed  for  them,  and  they  wished  to  know  if  it 
really  was  so.  I  spoke  to  them  on  the  office  of  our  High 
Priest ;  they  went  away  with  joy  into  the  field  again. 

'  Being  a  moonlight  night  and  very  still,  the  mountains 
echoed  with  the  songs  of  hymns.  The  girls  were  in  one  part 
of  the  field,  praying  and  singing  alternately.  The  boys  had 
got  upon  a  high  rock  with  a  light ;  one  gave  out  some  hymns, 
and  at  the  conclusion,  one  engaged  in  prayer.  I  could  not 
well  hear  their  expressions.  Many  of  the  people  got  up  and 
joined  these  infant  congregations. 

'  Sept.  1.  This  morning,  when  I  awoke,  I  heard  the  girls 
singing  and  praying  behind  the  school-house.  Mrs.  Johnson 
got  up  and  advised  them  to  go  to  bed,  which  they  did.  About 
4  o'clock  the  boys  began  to  sing  in  their  houses ;  after  they 
had  sung  several  hymns,  I  sent  one  of  my  servants  to  advise 
them  to  be  silent,  as  all  the  people  were  asleep,  which  was  done 
immediately. 

'  When  the  bell  rang  for  family  prayer  this  morning,  it 
rained  very  hard,  and  the  wind  blowing  like  a  tornado,  I  did 
not  expect  many  people.  When  I  looked  out  of  the  window,  I 
saw  the  streets  and  roads  covered  with  people ;  and  when  I 
went  into  the  church,  I  beheld  it  as  full  as  on  Sundays.     After 


l08  Memoir  of  johnsok. 

family  prayer,  W.  Davis  and  W.  Tamba  told  me  tliat  they  had 
been  up  with  the  boys  until  2  o'clock,  that  they  never  could 
have  imagined  that  boys  had  such  gifts  to  pray — they  never 
had  seen  it  so  before. 

'  All  the  people  seemed  to  nie  to  be  diflerent  this  morning  ; 
their  common  conversations  are  all  about  religion.  I  rejoice 
with  trembling — I  am  afraid  the  Devil  Avill  roar  very  loud 
hereafter. 

'  A  carpenter  from  Leopold's  Town  came  to  me  after  family 
prayer,  he  said  he  had  attended  Divine  service  several  times 
here,  and  that  he  had  heard  what  he  never  had  heard  before. 
He  could  never  be  happy  at  Leopold's  Town,  as  his  heart  was 
always  here,  he  begged  me  ask  the  Governor  for  him  to  settle 

here.     I  advised  him  to  attend  Mr. 's  preaching.     lie  said 

it  was  no  use,  for  Mr. kept  no  prayer  every  morning  and 

evening,  and  on  Sundays  what  he  said  was  of  no  use  to  him. 
He  felt  very  much  distressed  about  his  sins.  I  continued  to 
advise  him  to  make  himself  content  at  Leopold's  Town,  but  he 
continued  to  say  that  he  must  come  and  live  here. 

*  Sept.  8.  Last  hight,  we  had  the  Missionary  prayer-meeting 
— contributions  were  paid  with  cheerfulness.  We  have  now 
about  £28.  Just  before  I  went  to  bed,  the  girls  came  and 
asked  if  they  might  go  into  the  Church  to  sing  and  pray.  I 
told  them  they  might  go  and  sing  two  hymns,  and  no  more, 
as  the  people  were  in  bed,  and  ought  not  to  be  disturbed. 
They  went  and  began  to  sing,  and  I  was  told  by  Tamba,  that 
all  the  people  got  up  and  joined  them — that  when  he  came, 
Mary  Wynah  (my  servant)  was  praying.  I  said  that  was 
wrong.  He  said  that  when  she  began,  no  man  or  boy  was 
present.  The  next  who  engaged  was  a  tailor-boy,  the  third  a 
school-boy,  teacher  of  the  second  class,  both  about  the  same 
age.  The  fourth,  J.  Braida,  a  communicant;  the  fifth,  J. 
Canady.  The  last  was  Tamba,  who  concluded  about  6  o'clock. 
All  went  to  bed  quietly. 

'  Sept.  9.  Last  evening,  after  school,  the  boys  and  girls 
went  to  the  Church.     When  they  had  begun  to  sing,  Mrs. 


CONTINUANCE  OF  SUCCESS.  109 

Johnson  and  myself  went  and  stood  behind  the  window. 
George,  the  tailor-boy,  was  the  first  who  engaged  in  prayer. 
His  principal  petition  was  for  a  spirit  of  prayer.  He  repeated 
several  times  the  following  words  : — "  Oh  heavenly  Father,  for 
Jesus'  sake,  forgive  us  our  sins,  and  for  his  sake  send  down  thy 
Holy  Spirit  to  teach  us  how  to  pray.  We  don't  know  how  to 
pray — our  hearts  wicked  too  much — we  do  bad  too  much — we 
want  to  serve  thee.  Oh  !  for  Jesus'  sake  have  mercy  on  us." 
A  school-boy  then  gave  out  the  hymn — 


'  Come  ye  sinners,  poor  and  wretched,'' 


After  which,  he  engaged  in  prayer.  He  spoke  rather  low,  and 
as  the  wind  blew  much,  Ave  could  not  well  hear  it.  Another 
boy  gave  out — 

"  Blessings  for  ever  on  the  Lamb," 

After  which,  a  little  boy  about  ten  prayed  very  sweetly,  which 
brought  tears  into  my  eyes.  His  whole  soul  seemed  to  be 
engaged.  He  spoke  very  loud  and  distinct.  One  part  of  his 
prayer  came  with  power  to  my  heart.  "  Oh  Lord,  we  been  so 
long  on  the  way  to  hell,  and  we  no  been  saved,  we  been  hear 
your  good  word  so  long,  and  we  no  been  consider.  Oh  learn 
us  how  to  follow  you  now.  We  live  nigh  hell — Oh  Lord  Jesus, 
save  us  ;  take  us  away  from  hell  fire.  We  want  you  to  do  it 
now — now  we  want  you  to  save  us.  Oh  Lord  Jesus  !  hear  us 
now — this  night !  Our  sins  too  much — oh  save  us— save  us." 
I  could  stay  no  longer,  but  went  home  :  my  heart  was  full ;  I 
gave  free  course  to  the  fulness  of  it.  I  was  drowned  in  tears. 
Oh  my  God  and  Saviour,  what  hast  thou  done  ?  What  shall 
I  render  unto  thee  ? 

'  Sept.  10.  Yesterday,  when  the  shingle-makers  went  to 
work,  they  met  a  man  from  Cookie  Bay,  who  offered  gregrees 
for  sale.  They  brought  the  man  to  me,  and  appeared  very 
much  against  the  poor  fellow.  I  told  them  that  they  had 
themselves  been  in  the  same  state,  and  that  they  had  reason  to 
pity  the  man  more  than  to  despise  him,  and  that  our  Saviour 

5 


110  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

had  not  taught  us  to  enforce  religion  with  the  sword.  I  told  the 
man  that  it  would  be  better  for  him  not  to  come  to  Regent's 
Town  again  to  sell  gregrees,  as  he  would  always  make  a  very 
bad  market.  About  an  hour  after,  a  whole  box-full  of  gregrees 
was  brought  in,  some  of  which  were  very  curious,  such  as  I 
never  saw  before.  The  girls  and  boys  committed  them  to  the 
flames,  Avith  great  joy  and  acclamations. 

'  Sept.  12.  This  evening  we  met,  as  usual,  in  the  Church, 
for  prayer.  A  few  of  the  candidates  expressed  much  joy ; 
viewing  what  gre%t  things  the  Lord  had  done  for  them  iu 
bringing  them  away  from  their  own  country  :  had  they  never 
been  sold  as  slaves,  they  never  would  have  heard  of  a  salvation. 
They  praised  God  for  having  been  sold  as  slaves. 

'  Sept.  13,  Sunday,  This  day  has  been  the  most  unfavour- 
able which  we  have  had  this  rainy  season.  It  blew  very  hard, 
and  the  water  descended  in  torrents  all  the  day.  In  the  after- 
noon, during  service,  the  brook  had  risen  so  high,  that  the 
water  flowed  over  the  bridge,  and  the  people  had  to  wade 
through  for  a  considerable  distance.  In  some  places  it  reached 
nearly  to  their  arms. 

'In  the  evening,  I  felt  better.  I  spoke  to  the  girls  and  boys, 
as  only  a  few  people  were  present,  the  brook  having  risen  so 
high  that  it  was  dangerous  to  pass  it.  I  spoke  on  John  iii.  7, 
8.  The  children  were  very  attentive.  After  service,  they  kept 
prayer-meeting  as  usual.     Three  boys  engaged  in  prayer. 

'  Sept.  16.  The  prayer-meeting  of  the  school-boys  and  girls 
is  still  carried  on  with  eagerness.  I  went  last  night  and  sat 
under  a  staircase  where  I  was  not  perceived,  and  overheard 
with  great  delight  the  simple  and  sweet  expressions  the  boys 
made  use  of  in  prayer.  Nothing  but  Divine  grace  could  teach 
them  thus  to  pray.  The  last  who  prayed  fell  into  a  flood  of 
tears,  so  that  he  could  scarcely  utter  a  word.  The  whole 
assembly  repeated  the  Lord's  Prayer  in  a  most  solemn  manner, 
while  he  wept  aloud. 

*  Sept.  17.  This  morning  one  of  the  elder  carpenter-boys 
came  to  me  in  great  distress  of  mind.     I  encouraged  him  to 


CONTINUED    SUCCESSES.  Ill 

go,  with  all  his  sins,  to  the  Saviour  of  sinners.  He  went  home, 
I  trust,  in  peace.  This  young  man  had  been  my  greatest 
enemy.  He  had  opposed  in  every  way  the  word  of  God ;  fill- 
ing up  the  measure  of  sin  with  greediness  ! 

*  Sejjt.  18.  More  manifest  a  desire  to  be  baptized.  This 
desire  becomes  now  so  general,  that  I  am  afraid  the  enemy  is 
about  to  sow  tares  among  the  wheat.  I  am  at  a  loss  how  to 
act.  I  can  scarcely  believe,  at  present,  that  all  is  real ;  the 
number  is  so  great :  and  yet  when  I  come  to  "examine  them 
individually,  I  must  keep  silence  ;  for  their  language  and  con- 
duct are  wholly  changed.  May  the  Holy  Spirit  direct  me 
aright !     May  such  be  added  unto  us  as  shall  be  saved  ! 

'  Sunday,  Sei^t.  20.  Another  very  wet  Sundaj^,  but  notwith- 
standing, the  church  was  almost  full.  In  the  evening  we  had 
less  jDresent,  as  the  water  descended  in  torrents,  and  the  wind 
blew  hard.  Spoke  in  the  morning  on  Rom.  viii.  26  ;  in  the  after- 
noon on  John  v.  16,  and  in  the  evening  on  Rev.  xxi.  4.  After 
evening-service,  the  boys  and  girls  had  prayer-meeting  as  usual. 

'  SeiJt.  21.  The  carpenter  from  Leopold's  Town  came  to  me 
again,  saying  that  he  had  been  here  on  Saturday  evening,  and 
had  attended  service  here  yesterday.  He  again  expressed  a 
strong  desire  to  settle  in  this  town  ;  or  if  it  could  not  be  so,  to 
be  permitted  to  be  a  member  of  the  Church  in  this  place.  I 
advised  him  again  to  stay  where  he  was  ;  but  he  said  that  he 
could  open  his  mind  to  no  one  in  Leopold's  Town,  and  he  would 
give  anything  if  he  could  only  talk  with  a  Christian. 

'  Sept.  23.  After  family  prayers,  I  perceived  several  women 
and  children  sitting  by  the  church-door,  complaining,  and  tell- 
ing one  another  their  troubles.  When  they  saw  me,  silence 
was  observed.  One  complained  to  me  that  her  husband  never 
prayed,  when  she  begged  him  to  go  to  prayer  with  her,  the  an- 
swer was — "  Don't  bother  me  ;  I  won't  pray  with  you.  If  I  want 
to  pray,  I  will  do  it  myself."  Moreover,  she  said  that  since  he  had 
learned  to  read  the  Bible,  she  thought  he  was  worse.  Some- 
times he  would  read  in  the  Bible  aloud,  and  when  she  wept 
because  of  the  words  she  heard  him  read,  he  would  laugh  and 


112  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSOS'. 

mock.  She  was  troubled  much  in  his  behalf,  and  begged  ui€f 
to  speak  to  him,  and  tell  him  of  his  danger,  I  told  her  that  I 
did  speak  to  him  almost  every  evening  in  the  school,  and  as  he 
attended  to  hear  the  word  of  God,  there  was  good  reason  to 
believe  that  be  would  one  day  or  other  be  called  by  Divine 
grace,  and  that  she  should  continue  to  pray  for  him.  She  said 
that  she  did  pray  for  him,  but  that  the  more  she  prayed,  the 
worse  he  got.  When  she  came  to  the  Lord's  Table  last  month, 
she  saw  so  many  women  with  their  husbands  there,  and  she 
was  afraid  it  would  never  be  the  case  with  her.  I  spoke  on  the 
sufferings  of  Jesus  and  persuaded  her  to  take  up  the  cross  and 
follow  him.     She  wept  much. 

'  Another  woman  began  to  tell  me  that  she  was  also  in  great 
trouble.  She  had  taken  no  food  for  two  days,  and  could  do 
nothing  but  weep.  Her  husband  appeared  to  dislike  her.  lie 
bad  behaved  very  rough  to  her  since  Monday.  At  this  I  was 
rather  surprised,  for  both  are  communicants,  and  have  lived,  to 
my  knowledge,  very  comfortably  together. 

'  I  went  to  the  man,  who  was  in  school  at  the  same  time,  and 
asked  him  what  was  the  matter  between  him  and  his  wife.  lie 
said  he  had  reproved  her  because  she  had  not  got  the  dinner 
ready  when  he  came  home  with  two  men  who  work  with  him  ; 
and  since  that,  she  had  not  spoken  to  him.  If  he  asked  her 
anything  she  would  not  reply.  I  enquired  further  into  this 
matter,  and  found  that  he  required  his  wife  to  beat  rice  and 
cook  it,  which  certainly  was  too  mucb  for  a  woman  wlio  has  an 
infant  to  take  care  of.  I  reproved  him.  He  expressed  "great 
sorrow  immediately.  I  went  again  to  his  wife,  and  told  her 
that  I  had  spoken  to  her  husband,  and  found  that  they  botli 
were  wrong.  She  acknowledged  that  she  was  wrong,  and 
would  do  so  no  more.  She  always  spoke  when  her  husband 
spoke  to  her.  I  then  called  the  man,  and  sent  them  both 
home,  and  told  them  to  go  to  prayer  as  soon  as  they  arrived, 
which  they  promised  to  do.  Both  appeared  exceeding  glad 
and  happy — thanked  me  over  and  over  again  for  bringing  them 
together  in  peace. 


CONTINUED    SUCCESSES,  113 

'  The  next  woman  spoke  in  a  different  manner.  She  said 
that  she  was  glad  too  much,  because  she  and  her  husband  lived 
in  peace  together.  He  did  now  pray  with  h'er,  and  his  whole 
conduct  was  changed,  and  he  expressed  a  great  desire  to  join 
the  Church.  He  wished  to  come  every  day  and  speak  to  me, 
but  was  afraid.  He  had  attempted  to  come,  but  fear  had  kept 
him  back.  She  concluded  saying,  "  Oh  master,  I  am  glad  too 
much  !" 

'  Se2')t.  24.  Went  to  Freetown  to-day,  but  felt  less  com- 
fortable than  I  have  done  formerly.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Garnon  were 
gone.     The  town  appeared  different  to  me. 

'  Sept.  27,  Sunday.  We  had  another  very  wet  Sunday  ;  but 
blessed  be  God,  who  always  fills  his  house  of  prayer  here : 
whether  it  rains  or  whether  it  is  fair,  we  are  always  crowded. 

'  Sept.  28.  The  church  was  crowded  at  family  prayer,  morn- 
ing and  evening.  The  eagerness  to  hear  the  word  of  God 
seems  still  to  increase, 

'  Several  people  have  come  to  me  for  admission  to  baptism  ; 
seventeen  more  were  received,  to  be  baptized  next  Christmas 
day.  I  feel  convinced  that  all  care  has  been  taken  in  the  ex- 
amination. 

'  Oct.  5.  I  have  been  all  this  morning  engaged  in  speaking 
to  people  who  came  to  me  on  the  state  of  their  minds.  All  the 
particulars  would  fill  many  sheets.  I  took  down  the  names  of 
nine  who  will  be  examined  the  last  Monday  of  this  month.  I 
am  still  full  of  doubts  and  fears  concerning  the  number  who 
make  a  profession  of  Christianity,  it  is  so  great, 

'  Oct.  6,  Last  night  we  had  the  Missionary  prayer-meeting 
as  usual.  After  service  contributions  were  paid.  This  morn- 
ing at  family  prayer,  some  paid  for  next  month.  I  asked  one 
why  he  paid  for  next  month  now.  He  replied,  "  I  may  be  sick 
next  month,  and  not  able  to  pay ;  so  I  pay  now  to  make  sure 
of  it."  Many  women  came  and  paid  a  penny  or  a  halfpenny 
for  their  infants,  besides  their  own  contributions. 

'When  I  came  hither  in  1816,  five,  six,  or  seven  persons 
died  in  one  day  ;  and  six  only  were  born  during  the  first  year. 


114  MEMOIR    OF   JOHNSON. 

In  these  last  six  months,  seven  persons  only  have  died,  and 
forty-two  have  been  born.  Is  not  this  improvement  one  fruit 
of  the  gospel  ? 

'  Oct.  0.  I  went  to-day  to  survey  the  mountains  between 
Leicester  Mountain  and  Wilberforce,  to  find,  if  possible,  a  way 
for  a  nearer  road  to  Freetown.  Randle  the  carpenter,  accom- 
panied me.  "We  went,  by  the  compass,  to  the  left  of  Leicester 
Mountain,  where  we  expected  to  meet  with  some  people,  who 
had  withdrawn  themselves  from  Regent's  Town,  and  had  built 
houses  in  the  woods.  We  came  upon  them,  as  we  expected ; 
and  they  were  not  a  little  surprised.  They  are  all  Bassa  peo- 
ple— very  superstitious — much  given  to  depend  on  greegrees, 
and  happy  when  they  can  live  without  society.  One  of  them, 
who  is  the  leader,  speaks  English.  I  sent  for  him ;  when  he 
seemed  ashamed  to  come  nigh  me.  I  asked  him  why  he  had 
gone  from  Regent's  Town?  He  replied,  "Because  bad  sick 
catch  me  there."  I  pointed  out  his  errors,  and  spoke  to  him  a 
considerable  time :  be  was  entirely  confounded  ;  but  said,  at 
last,  "  All  what  you  say,  massa,  that  be  true,  because  William 
Davis,  my  countryman,  told  me  the  same.  I  beg  your  pardon, 
massa ;  soon,  when  rain  done,  I  will  come,  with  all  the  people, 
and  take  lots,  and  sit  down,  and  serve  God."  He  then  offered 
himself  to  be  our  guide,  which  we  accepted.  We  ascended  and 
descended  many  high  cliffs,  without  finding  a  place  for  a  road 
nearer  than  the  old  one. 

'  While  standing  on  a  high  rock,  I  could  see  the  greatest 
part  of  Regent's  Town.  I  saw  the  gardens  and  surrounding 
fields  covered  with  rice,  cassadas,  yams,  coco,  plantains,  and 
bananas.  "Ah,"  thought  I,  "is  not  the  promise  fulfilled? — 
Isaiah  xii.  18 — 29.  Two  years  ago,  this  was  a  desert,  overgrown 
with  bush,  and  inhabited  by  wild  men  and  beasts;  and  now,  in 
both  a  spiritual  and  a  temporal  sense,  it  is  a  fruitful  field !" 
May  the  Holy  One  of  Israel,  whose  hand  hath  done  this,  have 
all  the  praise  and  glory  ! 

Oct.  7.  In  the  evening,  after  family  prayers,  a  woman,  who 
is  a  communicant,  desired  to  speak  with  me.     As  I  have  set 


CONTINUED    SUCCESSES.  115 

apart  Mondays  for  religious  conference,  I  told  her  to  come  next 
Monday.  She  said  she  could  not  Avait  till  Monday,  but  must 
speak  to  me  now.  This  woman  became  thoughtful  about 
November  last.  She  lives  in  a  farm,  three-quarters  of  a  mile 
distant ;  and  since  that  time  she  has  constantly  attended  Divine 
service  on  Sundays,  and  family-prayers  morning  and  evening, 
even  in  the  heaviest  rains.  She  is  the  only  one,  among  about 
fifty  of  her  country-people  that  reside  at  the  same  place,  who 
attend  Divine  worship.  She  was  baptized  in  February ;  and 
from  that  time,  was  very  much  persecuted  by  her  country-peo- 
ple. However  she  constantly  and  boldly  declared  to  them  the 
Name  of  Jesus  Christ.  Her  husband  threatened  to  beat  her, 
and  actually  did  so,  when  she  began  to  talk  about  religion  ;  but, 
notwithstanding,  she  steadfastly  persevered,  under  the  greatest 
trials  and  diflBculties.  This  evening,  she  tells  me  that  her  husband 
has  began  to  attend  Divine  service,  and  that  he  uses  her  with 
kindness,  and  wishes  to  have  a  lot  in  the  town  in  order  to  live 
near  the  church,  that  he  may  hear  the  word  of  God.  She  had 
brought  four  of  her  country-women,  who  were  below,  and  de- 
sired to  speak  with  me.  I  spoke  to  them  separately,  and  found 
that  Divine  grace  had  begun  to  operate  in  their  hearts.  Of 
this,  she  has  apparently  been  the  instrument.  Well  might 
this  poor  woman  be  impatient  to  wait  till  Monday,  for  her  joy 
was  too  great  to  be  restrained  till  that  day.  May  this  be  a  les- 
son to  us  all.  May  we  constantly  persevere  in  striving  to  bring 
sinners  to  Christ ! 

'  I  have  to  deliver  £38  Ys.  Id.  to  Mr.  Collier,  being  the  mites 
of  my  people,  which  they  have  contributed  this  year  to  the 
Church  Missionary  Society.  On  the  first  Monday  in  December 
we  shall  have  our  anniversary. 

'  Oct.  13.  The  poor  widow  mentioned  August  oth,  who  was 
pregnant  at  the  death  of  her  husband,  died  last  night  in  child- 
birth. She  was  visited  yesterday  by  some  communicants,  when 
she  said  she  should  not  revive.  She  continued  in  prayer  the 
greatest  part  of  the  day.  About  seven  o'clock  last  night,  when 
we  were  singing  at  family-prayer  in  the  church,  she  asked  what 


116  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

that  singing  was ;  and  when  she  was  told  that  it  was  in  the 
church,  she  also  began  to  sing  and  to  pray,  until  a  little  before 
eight  o'clock,  when  she  could  speak  no  more.  One  who  stood 
by,  asked  if  she  prayed  ;  she  lifted  up  her  eyes  and  hands,  to 
signify  that  she  did  pray,  and  then  expired. 

*  Oct,  18.  Sunday.  Married  nine  couple.  Spoke  to  a  crowd- 
ed congregation  on  1  Cor.  xv.  22 ;  spoke  on  the  death  of  Sarah 
Ahutchee.  Afternoon,  on  1  John  iv.  9.  In  the  evening,  on  1 
Pet.  i.  5.  The  boys  and  girls  continue  their  prayer-meeting 
every  night. 

'  Oct.  20.  Was  engaged  all  this  morning  again  to  talk  to 
people  who  came  to  ask  me  about  "  God  palaver."  Took  seve- 
ral names  who  will  be  examined  next  Monday.  Reproved 
one  female  communicant  for  a  slight  offence.  She  wept  bit- 
terly. 

'  Oct.  25.  Married  two  couple.  Spoke  on  Isaiah  xliii.  21. 
Afternoon,  Mat.  vi.  24.  Evening,  Jonah  ii.  4.  The  day  was 
spent  as  usual.  ' 

'  Oct.  26.  This  evening  we  had  another  meeting  to  receive 
those  who  have  come  forward  to  be  received  as  members  of  the 
Church  of  Christ.  Eight  were  received  and  four  not,  wdio  will 
be  examined  next  month. 

'  Oct.  27.  Several  people  came  again  about  God  palaver. 
Wrote  their  names  down  to  be  examined  next  month.  The 
boys  and  girls  still  continue  to  keep  prayer-meeting. 

'iVbw.  15.  Nothing  remarkable  has  occurred  during  the 
last  week.  The  people  have  all  been  employed  to  make  and 
repair  the  highways.  I  spoke  on  Rom.  viii.  4.  this  morning. 
The  God  of  Jacob  was  with  us.  In  the  afternoon  on  Gal.  iii. 
13.  In  the  evening  on  Psalm  Iv.  22.  The  boys  and  girls  keep 
prayer-meeting  as  usual. 

'  Nov.  20.  I  have  been  in  a  very  low  state  the  whole  week. 
I  see  continually  my  backwardness  in  promoting  the  gospel  of 
Jesus  Christ.  It  appears  to  me  that  all  the  Missionaries  are  in 
an  indifferent  way  concerning  the  souls  which  they  have  re- 
ceived to  watch  over.    Ah  !  and  how  far  are  our  thoujrhts  from 


CONTINUED  SUCCESSES.  Il7 

tliose  beyond  tlie  colony,  just  as  if  there  were  no  other  heathen 
in  Africa !  Oh  my  God,  revive  the  spirit  of  Missionary  zeal 
among  us.  For  my  part,  I  feel  just  like  a  bird  in  a  cage.  Oh 
that  the  Lord  of  the  harvest  would  open  more  ettectual  ways 
for  the  conveyance  of  the  glorious  gospel  into  the  interior  of 
Africa  !  I  have  reason  to  be  thankful,  as  the  Lord  has  through 
my  weakness  established  a  Church  in  this  place.  I  have  indeed 
reason  to  rejoice  that  my  labours  have  not  been  in  vain  in  the 
Lord.  Yet  I  feel  uncomfortable ;  my  mind  is  wandering  into 
the  interior  of  Africa.  Is  this  mere  imagination  ?  Why  do 
these  thoughts  continually  follow  me,  and  why  are  many  hours 
in  the  night  spent  without  rest  ?  Lord,  ha&t  thou  designed  me 
to  proceed  from  hence  into  other  parts  of  Africa  ?  Here  I  am, 
send  me.  As  yet  I  see  no  way  open  ;  but  with  thee  what  is 
impossible  ? 

'  This  evening,  I  rejoiced  over  many  sweet  conversations  I 
liad  with  my  people  at  the  prayer-meeting.  A  young  woman, 
who  was  sent  here  last  year  to  assist  Mrs.  Johnson,  by  the 
Governor,  died  to-day.  She  appeared  to  continue  in  darkness, 
though  all  means  were  used  to  instruct  her  in  Divine  things. 
She  was  a  mulatto,  and  educated  in  Freetown.  She  was  filled 
with  pride,  which  led  her  into  misconduct,  for  which,  three 
weeks  ago,  I  was  obliged  to  discharge  her,  having  forgiven  her 
often  for  faults  of  considerable  extent.  She  married  a  shingle- 
maker  about  twelve  months  ago,  and  was  delivered  of  a  lifeless 
child,  which  was  the  cause  of  her  death.  She  was  ill  a  few 
days  previous — I  went  to  visit  her,  but  to  no  purpose.  Seve- 
ral of  the  communicants  did  so  too,  and  exhorted  her  to  flee 
from  the  wrath  to  come  ;  but  it  appears  that  she  took  no  notice 
of  what  was  said  to  her,  and  it  is  to  be  feared  that  in  this  state 
she  died. 

'■Nov.  22,  Sunday.  Divine  service  as  usual  in  the  morning ; 
I  observed  a  good  many  strangers.  Some  appear  to  come 
every  Sunday.  Spoke  on  Isaiah  Ixiii.  11.  Li  the  afternoon, 
on  Isaiah  xxxii.  2.  In  the  evening,  on  Job  xxix.  2.  I  found  it 
good  to  dwell  at  large  on  the  precious  truths  contained  in  the 

5* 


118  MKMOm    OF    JOIIKSOX. 

above  passag^os.     May  God  the  Holy  Ghost  impress  them  upon 
the  hearts  of  all  who  were  present. 

^jYov.  23.  A  woman  of  the  Eboe  tribe  came  to  me  this 
morning.  She  appeared  much  depressed  in  mind  ;  she  could 
scarcely  speak.  As  some  of  these  people  are  much  agitated 
Avhen  they  come  to  me,  but  are  more  open  to  their  fellow 
Africans,  I  sent  her  to  W.  Tamba.  However,  she  express- 
ed a  wish  to  be  baptized  ;  and  said  "  Me  pray  to  God  the  Holy 
Ghost  to  take  me  to  Jesus  Christ — to  take  me  to  the  Father;'' 
this  expression  astonished  me,  I  asked  her  a  few  more  ques- 
tions, but  her  heart  seemed  so  full  that  she  could  not  speak; 
and  then  I  advised  her  to  go  to  W.  Tamba  (of  whom  all  seem 
to  be  very  fond,)  and  tell  him  her  heart,  who  would  tell  me 
again. 

^  Dec.  5.  All  the  communicants  and  candidates  except  the 
sick,  met  in  the  church  this  evening  for  conference.  Mr.  Gates 
and  Mr.  During  were  present.  I  trust  that  we  were  all  re- 
freslied,  by  the  way,  through  the  simjjle  and  sincere  conversa- 
tion we  had  together.  Many  expressed  great  fear  and  sorrow 
on  account  of  their  own  depravity.  Some  related  what  they 
had  heard  during  the  week,  while'  they  Avere  at  Divine  worship, 
and  what  effect  it  had  on  them.  Some  were  comforted,  while 
others  were  alarmed,  and  convinced  of  sin. 

'  I  informed  the  candidates  that  I  should  wish  to  see  them  at 
2  p.  M.  to-morrow  at  my  house,  in  order  to  instruct  them  in  the 
ordinances  of  baptism  and  tlie  Lord's  Supper.  I  see  more  and 
more  clearly  the  work  of  God  the  Holy  Ghost  carried  on  in  the 
hearts  of  individuals.  Surely  the  Lord  of  Hosts  has  been  w  ith 
us,  for  our  labour  has  not  been  in  vain  in  the  Lord.  Oh  !  that 
he  may  have  all  the  praise  and  glory. 

'  Sickness  prevented  me  last  Sunday  from  keeping  service, 
and  also  during  the  week.  However,  I  believe  that  it  has  been 
good  for  me  and  my  people.  It  has  created  more  hunger  after 
the  bread  of  life. 

'  Mrs.  Johnson  is  slowly  recovering  from  a  severe  illness. 
We  all  expected  that  she  would  have  died  last  Sundav  ;  t-he 


DISCUSSIONS    ON    BAPTISM.  119 

hei-self  expected  to  depart  and  be  with  Christ.  I  was  called  in 
the  night  by  Mr.  Macaulay  Wilson,  (I  was  very  ill  myself  and 
slept  in  another  room)  who  told  me  that  he  thought  Mrs. 
Johnson  was  likely  to  die.  I  was  very  weak,  but  went  to  see 
her.  She  asked  me  if  I  thought  her  end  was  come  ?  I  told 
her  I  thought  it  was ;  and  asked  her  if  she  was  ready  to 
depart ;  she  replied,  "  Yes,  but  only  through  my  Lord  Jesus 
Christ."  We  prayed,  in  which  Mr.  Macaulay  Wilson  and 
several  school-girls  joined.  While  praying,  I  was  seized  with 
vomiting,  and  obliged  to  leave  off.  She  then  told  me  how 
things  should  be  arranged  after  her  death,  and  that  she  was 
sure  to  meet  me  again  in  Heaven.  I  was  taken  very  ill,  and 
was  obliged  to  retire.  We  took  leave  of  each  other  for  a  time, 
and  I  confess  we  were  most  wonderfully  supported.  I  was  con- 
strained to  say,  "  Oh  !  death,  where  is  thy  sting  ?  Oh  !  grave, 
where  is  thy  victory  ?  "  It  is  remarkable  that  she  continued  to 
be  sensible,  which  is  seldom  the  case  with  the  fever.  Her  pulse 
beat  no  less  than  140  times  in  a  minute. 

'  The  Lord  has  been  pleased  to  show  us  that  strength  shall 
be  according  to  our  day.  I  have  frequently  feared  that  this 
would  be  a  trial  which  I  should  not  be  able  to  bear.  But  the 
Lord  is  faithful.  He  is  a  present  help  in  trouble.  Clear  views 
of  an  interest  in  his  blood  and  righteousness,  and  of  his  joj'-s 
beyond  the  grave,  make  death  a  messenger  of  good  tidings. 

'  Dec.  6.  I  trust  we  spent  a  comfortable  Sunday.  Mrs.  J.  is 
better.  The  Church  was  three  times  full.  I  spoke  in  the 
morning  on  Luke  xii.  22.  "  Fear  not,  little  flock,"  &c.  Oh  ! 
blessed  be  my  gracious  Jesus  for  this  precious  portion  of 
Scripture.  May  the  Holy  Ghost  cause  me  to  drink  deeper  and 
deeper  into  it.  At  2  p.  m.  I  instructed  the  candidates  in  my 
house.  When  we  had  concluded,  we  joined  the  congregation 
in  the  church,  who  had  begun  Divine  worship.  Mr.  Cates 
spoke  on  the  death  of  Stephen.  In  the  evening,  I  spoke  on 
Isaiah  liv.  7.  Directed  my  thoughts  to  the  spread  of  the  gos- 
pel, and  informed  the  people  of  our  firet  anniversary,  and  beg- 
ged them  all  to  attend. 


120  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

'■Dec.  1.  A  school-girl  came  to  me  this  morning  much  dis- 
tressed, on  account  of  what  she  had  heard  yesterday  morning. 
I  spoke  comfortably  to  her. 

'  We  had  the  first  anniversary  of  our  Auxiliary  Missionary 
Society  this  evening.  Messrs.  Collier,  Decker,  During  and 
Gates,  were  present ;  also  a  few  of  Mr.  During's  people.  The 
church  was  completely  crowded.  Two  hours  before  service, 
the  people  assembled  from  every  quarter  of  Regent's  Town. 

'It  is  to  be  regretted  that  our  other  brethren  were  not 
present,  I  think  they  would  have  been  a  little  enlivened.  Mr. 
Gates  has  taken  the  outlines  of  the  proceedings;  £o  10s.  8d. 
were  collected.  Oh !  blessed  Jesus,  receive  all  the  praise. 
Amen. 

^  Dec.  19.  Have  been  so  engaged  as  to  find  no  time  for 
retiring.  The  superintendent  of  captured  negroes  (Mr.  Ruftell) 
came  here  on  Monday,  to  take  the  names  of  all  the  people  in 
Regent's  Town,  and  its  vicinity,  wliicli  engaged  us  all  the  week- 

•The  Governor  came  here  on  Wednesday,  and  said  a  good 
deal  about  baptizing  all  the  people,  wliicli  I  refused.  He  said 
much  about  its  necessity,  but  I  kept  to  the  word  of  God.  He 
said  that  the  Apostles,  on  Pentecost  day,  baptized  3000  at 
once.  I  replied  that  they  Avere  i)ricked  in  the  heart,  and  os 
mamj  as  believed  were  baptized ;  and  that  I  do  so  too,  for  I  was 
about  to  baptize  several  on  Christmas  day,  who  I  believe  were 
pricked  in  the  heart.  He  could  not  answer  to  this,  but  said  that 
he  would  write  to  the  Archbishop  of  Canterbury  concerning  the 
matter,  and  that  it  was  our  duty  to  make  Christians.  I  said 
that  God  alone  could  make  Christians,  and  I  could  only  baptize 
such  as  were  wrought  upon  by  him  ;  and  if  such  liad  children, 
I  bapized  them,  for  it  is  written,  "  the  promise  is  unto  you  and 
your  children^      I  had  learned  to  obey  God  rather  than  man. 

He  replied,  that  Mr. had  also  refused  to  baptize  two  boys, 

which  he  could  not  understand.      He  would  certainly  make 
these   things  known  to  the  Archbishop  of  Canterbury,    and 

would  send  those  refused  to  Mr. ,  the  Wesleyan  minister, 

to  be  baptized  ;  for  he  thought  Mr. '»  baptism  as  good  as 


DISCUSSIONS    ON    BAPTISM.  121 

ours.  I  said  that  I  kejit  by  the  word  of  God,  and  could  not 
depart.  He  said  he  would  get  Missionaries  from  the  Society 
for  Promoting  Christian  Knowledge,  for  the  Church  Missionary 
Society  had  long  promised  things  they  had  not  performed,  and 
that  he  could  no  longer  wait.  I  replied,  that  it  was  supposed 
that  several  school-masters  were  now  on  their  way  here.  He 
concluded  saying  tlie  Society  had  never  done  anything  for 
Africa.  Whilst  we  were  speaking,  several  school-girls  came 
before  the  door,  wishing  to  speak  to  me.  I  went  out,  and  was 
told  that  three  white  men  had  come  into  their  school,  and 
would  not  let  them  be,  pulling  them  about  in  a  disorderly  man- 
ner. I  went  in  again  and  told  his  Excellency,  that  three  gen- 
tlemen who  had  accompanied  him,  were  in  the  girl's  school 
behaving  in  a  disorderly  manner.  At  this  he  seemed  much 
hurt — went  into  the  school  and  spoke  to  them,  and  they  went 
oflf  on  horseback  to  Freetown,  without  entering  my  house 
again. 

'  The  Governor,  however,  took  leave  in  a  friendly  manner. 
It  appears  that  he  was  hurt,  because  I  refused  to  sing  with  the 
people,  "  God  Save  the  King."  He  asked  me  why  I  would  not 
sing  it.  I  replied,  that  it  was  sung  over  a  beer-pot^  and  that  I 
could  not  sing  it  in  Divine  service.  He  said  that  we  ought  to 
serve  the  king  next  to  God.  I  told  him  we  did  so,  and  Christians 
in  my  opinion  were  the  best  subjects  of  King  George.  He  has 
said  nothing  to  me  about  it  since.  However,  I  am  sorry  to  say 
it  is  practised  in  other  towns.  The  Governor  seems  determined 
to  impose  it ;  many  copies  have  been  printed,  and  sent  to  other 
towns,  except  to  Leicester  and  here.  And  since  then,  it  has 
been  more  against  my  mind^I  never  can  submit  to  it.  May 
my  God  and  Saviour  guide  me  and  my  j^eople  aright ;  may  we 
all  show  forth  the  praise  of  our  God,  by  our  conduct  and  con- 
versation.    We  met  this  evening  in  the  church  for  conference. 

'  Dec.  20,  Sunday.  Spoke  in  the  morning  on  Rev.  iv.  5. 
The  church  was  full  as  usual,  and  the  people  very  attentive.  I 
instructed  the  candidates  at  2  p.m.  In  the  afternoon,  I  spoke 
on  Ezekiel  xxiv.  10.     In  the  evening,  on  Acts  ii.  41.     May  God 


122  MEMOIR    OF   JOHXSOX. 

be  praised  for  Lis  mercies,  which  are  so  great  towards  me. 
The  boys  and  girls  kept  prayer-meeting  after  service. 

'■Dec.  21.     Went  to  Freetown  to-day. 

'  Dec.  22.  Went  to  visit  the  sick.  Edward  Green,  a  com- 
municant, said  that  his  body  was  sick,  but  his  soul  was  well. 
He  thought  it  a  great  mercy  God  had  made  him  sick.  W. 
Tamba,  who  is  recovering,  was  afraid  that  he  should  forget 
himself  when  well  again.  He  prayed  that  God  would  keep 
him  at  Jesus's  feet — his  heart  was  j^rone  too  much  to  go  from 
God. 

'  Dorothy  Noah,  (who  has  been  ill  three  months)  said  that 
she  had  feared  to  die,  but  that  now  all  fear  was  gone.  She 
knew  that  she  was  interested  in-  the  righteousness  of  Jesus, — 
she  was  the  greatest  sijiner  in  the  world ;  but  Jesus  had  come 
to  save  such,  and  so  she  found  comfort.  She  frequently  was 
refreshed  when  asleep.  She  thought  she  was  in  heaven,  and 
often  sorrowed  when  she  awoke,  that  she  was  in  the  world. 

'  One  Eboe  woman  came,  and  said  a  good  deal  about  her 
bad  heart ;  she  said,  "  Massa,  mo  feel  more  than  me  savah  talk 
— me  heart  trouble  mo  too  much.  Suppose  me  talk  English 
good,  me  tell  you  too  much."  I  told  her  to  keep  company 
with  such  of  her  country-people  as  were  candidates,  and  pray 
to  God  to  teach  her. 

*  Christmas  Day.  The  church  was  crowded — many  outside 
who  could  find  no  room.  Spoke  on  Matt.  i.  21.  Baptized 
forty-six  adults  and  one  infant.  May  God  make  my  pooii 
imperfect  discourse,  and  the  circumstances  attending  it,  to 
abide  in  the  hearers'  hearts.  In  the  afternoon  we  had  prayer- 
meeting — the  church  full  again.  In  the  afternoon,  I  spoke  on 
Luke  ii.  24.  I  heard  that  in  Freetown  the  people  behave  in  a 
most  wretched  manner.  It  is  expected  that  the  two  parties 
(Maroons  and  Settlers)  will  fight  every  moment.  Guns  were 
fired  all  night — two  houses  were  burnt  through  firing.  Num- 
bers were  drunk.  One  man  broke  his  leg,  and  others  were 
burnt  with  the  house. 

'  Blessed  be  God  who  has  made  his  gospel  effectual  at  this 


ARRIVALS,  123 

place.  Not  one  gun  was  fired — not  one  person  intoxicated — 
all  came  to  church  very  cleanly  dressed.  The  females,  espe- 
cially those  who  were  baptized,  were  dressed  in  white. 

'  Dec.  2G.  The  mechanics  having  saved  their  meat,  and  also 
some  of  the  other  people,  who  have  a  pound  per  week  allowed, 
I  gave  them  some,  and  also  gave  them  cocoa,  cassada  and 
yams  out  of  the  field,  of  which  they  prepared  a  dinner.  The 
carpenters  made  tables  and  benches,  and  the  rest  cooked.  All 
the  people  were  invited,  and  about  800  sat  down  to  dinner 
before  my  house.  I  was  afraid  there  would  not  be  enough, 
when  I  saw  so  many.  David  Noah  asked  a  blessing,  which 
the  whole  repeated.  Thanks  were  returned  in  the  same  man- 
ner. I  asked  if  they  had  had  enough.  They  said,  "  Yes,  we 
liave  had  plenty."  W.  Tamba  gathered  up  the  fragments,  and 
there  were  eight  pots  full.  All  went  home  quiet,  and  in  the 
evening,  we  met  for  conference  in  the  church.  Firing  of  guns 
still  continues  in  Freetown.     We  can  hear  it  even  here. 

'  Sunday^  Dec.  2Y.  Divine  service  as  usual.  Spoke  in  the 
morning  on  Rev.  xvi.  15.  Afternoon  on  Rev.  xx.  11 — 15. 
Evening  on  Psalm  cxix.  88. 

'  Dec.  28.  Gave  all  the  boys  and  girls  leave  to  go  with 
Noah  to  the  waterfalls ;  and  some  mechanics.  The  girls  chose 
to  go  with  me  to  Leicester  Mountain. 

'  Dec.  30.  Received  a  note  this  morning  from  Mr.  Gates,  by 
which  I  was  informed  of  the  arrival  of  the  "  Echo,"  last  night, 
bringing  five  friends  ;  which  was  joyful  news  to  me.  I  told  the 
people  at  family-prayer,  that  a  vessel  had  arrived  with  new 
Missionaries,  which  brought  a  smile  upon  their  countenances. 
Went  then  to  Freetown  to  welcome  our  new  friends,  and  was 
much  delighted  with  their  appearance. 


CHAPTER  V. 

A.D.    1819. 

Visit  to  the  Intorior — Illness  of  ]\Irs.  Johnson — She  ia  obliged  to  return 
to  England — Mr.  Johnson  acdimpanies  her. 

"\Ve  liave  now  witnessed  the  first  assault  of  Mr.  Johnson  on  the 
kingdom  of  darkness  in  Africa,  and  the  extraordinary  success 
with  which  it  pleased  God  to  bless  his  earnest,  humble-minded, 
and  self-denying  labours.  But  a  pause  now  takes  place.  The 
serious  illness  of  Mrs.  Johnson,  first  appearing  in  1818,  and 
returning  with  increased  violence  in  the  following  year,  made 
her  return  to  Europe  necessary,  if  her  life  was  to  be  preserved. 
This  resolution  being  taken,  it  was  natural  that  Mr.  Johnson 
should  be  perplexed  between  a  desire  to  accompany  her,  and 
the  claims  of  his  attached  people.  In  the  end,  the  way  seem- 
ed to  be  made  clear,  for  his  return,  for  a  season,  to  England. 

Meanwhile,  we  may  dwell  for  a  few  moments,  on  the  vast 
change  which  the  short  space  of  two  years  had  efiected  in  the 
wilderness  formerly  known  as  Hogbrook.  The  .year  1819  is 
thus  opened  : — 

'■Jan.  1,  1819.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Taylor  came  here  to-day  to 
pay  us  a  visit.  In  the  evening  the  boys  and  girls  had  a 
])rayer-ineeting.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Taylor  stood  in  the  vestry,  and 
were  much  delighted  with  the  simple  but  sincere  prayers  of 
the  boys. 

'  Jan.  2.  Met  this  evening  for  conference.  Those  who 
spoke,  comforted  us  very  much. 

'  Sunday,  Jan.  3.  Spoke  on  Rom.  ix.  16.  After  service,  I 
administered  the  sacrament  to  about  120  communicants.  Mr. 
Gates  and  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Taylor  were  present,  and  I  trust  we  all 
were  enabled  to  look  to  the  great  sacrifice  oftered  up  for  sin 


EXAMINATIONS    OF   THE    SCHOOLS.  125 

and  uncleanness  on  Mount  Calvary.  Prayer-meeting  in  the 
afternoon.  Mr.  Gates  gave  an  exhortation  on  Psalm  xc.  2.  I 
spoke  in  the  evening  on  2  Tim.  ii.  19. 

'•Jan.  4.  The  Governor  came  and  examined  the  school. 
The  girls  were  prevented  going  through  their  examination,  in 
consequence  of  Mrs.  Johnson's  having  been  sick  so  long.  His 
Excellency  was  delighted,  and  said  it  was  beyond  his  expecta- 
tion, and  were  he  to  tell  the  people  in  England,  he  doubted 
whether  they  would  believe  him. 

In  a  letter,  Mr.  Johnson  adds  some  further  particulars  : — 
'  On  the  4th  of  January,  an  examination  of  the  schools 
took  place,  before  the  Governor,  and  many  of  the  pi-incipal 
persons  of  the  Colony.  His  Excellency  addressed  them  with 
his  accustomed  benevolence,  and  expressed  the  highest  gratifi- 
cation at  their  progress ;  urging  the  adults,  in  particular,  to 
assist,  with  zeal  and  alacrity,  in  teaching  those  of  their  coun- 
trymen who  had  not  had  such  opportunities  as  themselves. 
The  men,  women,  and  children  present  owed  to  Great  Britain, 
under  the  blessing  of  God,  every  thing  that  could  dignify  man  : 
they  were  emancipated  from  slavery ;  and,  above  all  other 
benefits,  they  were  educated  in  the  principles  of  Christianity. 
"  Henceforth,  then,"  said  his  Excellency,  "  worship  God,  as 
Christians  ;  and  serve,  as  Britons,  the  country  and  the  king.'  " 

In  a  report  sent  home  to  the  British  government,  by  the 
authorities  at  Sierra  Leone,  the  improvements  effected  at  Re- 
gent's Town  are  thus  described  : — 

"  At  Regent's  Town,  formerly  called  Hog-brook,  from  the 
multitude  of  wild  hogs  frequenting  the  beautiful  stream  that 
flows  through  it,  the  young  men  settled  there  have  furnished 
an  example  which  will  long  be  admired,  and  not  easily  be  sur- 
passed. They  have  brought  a  road,  by  a  new  line,  avoiding 
the  most  steep  descents  and  declivities  of  the  hills,  without 
much   extending  the   course,  as   far  as  Leicester  Mountain, 


126  MEMOIR    OF   JOHNSON. 

whence  it  is  to  be  continued  toward  Freetown.  This  road  is 
two  rods  wide  throughout,  and  solid  and  level  to  a  degree  not 
easily  attainable  in  a  country  like  this.  Several  vast  rocks, 
which  impeded  its  course,  were  split  and  broken  by  means  of 
fire,  aided  by  the  aftusion  of  cold  water  when  in  the  ardent 
state ;  the  adjacent  forest  furnishing  abundance  of  wood  for 
these  operations." 

"  We  understand  that  this  successful  method  of  blowing  up 
the  rocks,  was  suggested  to  Mr.  Johnson  by  the  effect  of  a 
violent  tornado,  which  one  day  extinguished  a  large  fire  that 
had  been  kindled  on  the  rock,  and  left  the  rock  so  split  in 
many  places  that  the  workmen  found  its  removal  greatly  facili- 
tated." 

Of  the  rapidity  with  which  this  work  was  executed,  it  is 
said — 

"  The  combination  of  Mr.  Johnson's  skill  and  ability  with 
the  bodily  strength  and  hearty  zeal  of  his  people,  produced 
such  rapidity  of  execution,  that  the  task  was  completed  in 
considerably  less  than  one  month,  although  the  extent  is  full 
two  miles."  ' 

The  following  honourable  testimony,  is  added  in  the  same 
Report : — 

"Let  it  be  considered,  that  not  more  than  three  or  four 
years  have  passed,  since  the  greater  number  of  Mr.  Johnson's 
population  were  taken  out  of  the  holds  of  slave-ships  :  and 
who  can  compare  their  present  condition  with  that  from  which 
they  were  rescued,  without  seeing  manifest  cause  to  exclaim — 
'  The  hand  of  heaven  is  in  this  !'  Who  can  contrast  the  sim- 
ple and  sincere  Christian  worship  which  precedes  and  follows 
their  daily  labours,  with  the  grovelling  and  malignant  supersti- 
tions of  their  original  state,  their  greegrees,  their  red-water, 
their  witchcraft,  and  their  devils'  houses — without  feeling  and 
acknowledging  a  miracle  of  good,  which  the  immediate  inter- 
position of  the  Almighty  alone  could  have  wrought?     And 


TESTIMONY   TO    THE    STATE    OP   REGENt's    TOWN.  127 

what  greater  blessing  could  man  or  nation  desire  or  enjoy,  than 
to  have  been  made  the  instruments  of  conferring  such  sublime 
benefits  on  the  most  abject  of  the  human  race  ? 

"If  any  other  circumstance  could  be  required  to  prove  the 
immediate  interposition  of  the  Almighty,  we  have  only  to  look 
at  the  pljtin  men  and  simple  means  employed  in  bringing 
about  the  miraculous  conversion  that  we  have  recorded.  Does 
it  not  recal  to  mind  the  first  diffusion  of  the  gospel  by  the 
Apostles  themselves  ?  These  thoughts  will  occur  to  strangers, 
at  remote  distance,  when  they  hear  these  things ;  and  must 
they  not  recur  much  more  forcibly  to  us  who  have  these  things 
constantly  before  our  eyes  ?" 

Mr.  Johnson's  journal  thus  j^roceeds  : — 

'  Jan.  5.  "Went  to-day  to  the  Bible  anniversary.  I  rejoiced 
to  see  many  of  the  inhabitants  of  Freetown  present.  "When 
his  Excellency  concluded  the  meeting  in  an  address,  the  people 
got  up  and  threw  their  money  on  the  table  with  great  acclama- 
tions, so  that  his  Excellency  could  not  continue  his  speech. 

'■Jan.  12.  Mr.  Gates  came  to-day  to  Regent's  Town,  as  di- 
rected by  the  Society,  to  assist  me.  We  intend  to  proceed 
immediately  to  the  Sherbro  country ;  as  the  dry  season  is  far 
advanced,  we  must  lose  no  time.  Long  has  a  desire  existed  in 
my  heart  to  go  and  see  this  country.  May  the  God  of  all 
grace  go  within  us ;  may  effectual  ways  of  usefulness  be 
opened.  W.  Tamba,  who  speaks  the  languages  along  the 
coast,  intends  to  go  with  us,  to  preach  in  the  native  tongues, 
the  unsearchable  riches  of  Christ.' 

Our  readers  will  have  observed,  in  the  diary  of  the  previous 
November,  how  strongly  Mr.  Johnson's  mind  was  impressed 
with  a  desire  to  overpass  the  narrow  limits  of  the  colony,  and 
to  search  out  new  scenes  of  labour  in  the  homes  of  the  various 
tribes  which  were  here  brought  under  his  notice.  Some  might 
be  inclined  to  censure  this  desire,  as  betokening  a  restless  and 


128  MEMOIR    OF   JOHNSON. 

romantic  disposition ;  but  it  so  nearly  resembles  St.  Paul's 
wish,  "  to  preach  the  gospel  in  the  regions  beyond  you  ;  and 
not  to  boast  in  another  man's  line  of  things  made  ready  to  our 
hand," — that  we  dare  not  whisper  one  word  of  blame.  The 
first  result  of  this  desire,  was  seen  in  an  excursion  made  by 
Mr.  Johnson,  in  company  with  Mr.  Gates,  William  Tamba,  and 
others,  at  the  period  to  which  we  are  now  brought.  His  jour- 
nal of  that  excursion  will  here  be  given  at  large. 

^Jan.  12,  1819.  Tuesday.  We  left  Regent's  Town  about 
four  in  the  afternoon,  and  walked  to  Wilberforce,  which  is 
situated  on  the  N.  W.  side  of  the  colony. 

'  At  our  departure  from  Regent's  Town,  many  of  the  inhabi- 
tants surrounded  us,  shaking  hands  with  their  minister,  and 
bidding  him  farewell  with  many  tears.  A  report  had  been 
circulated  thafhe  did  not  intend  to  return ;  and  it  was  with 
the  greatest  difficulty,  and  not  till  after  repeated  assurances 
to  the  contrary,  that  the  people  could  be  prevailed  on  to  leave 
us. 

'  On  our  arrival  at  Wilberforce,  the  people  of  the  town  as- 
sembled at  Mr.  Decker's  house.  William  Tamba  addressed 
them  in  the  Cosso  language  from  Matt,  xvi,  14 — 16.  In  a 
plain  and  serious  manner  he  explained  the  important  truths 
contained  in  these  verses.  The  Cosso  people  seemed  quite 
astonished  to  hear  the  words  of  eternal  life  in  their  own  tojigue. 
One  little  girl,  in  particular,  appeared  scarcely  to  believe  her 
ears.  When  Tamba  began  to  speak,  she  turned  alternately  to 
him  and  to  her  parents,  staring  at  each,  as  if  desirous  to  know 
whether  others  heard  as  she  did. 

'  After  speat:ing  in  Cosso,  Tamba  repeated  the  same  in  Eng- 
lish, for  the  benefit  of  such  as  did  not  understand  Cosso  ;  and 
the  service  concluded  with  prayer. 

'  The  reflection,  that  the  gospel  of  our  Saviour  was  now,  per- 
haps for  the  first  time,  declared  in  that  tongue,  afforded  us 
peculiar  pleasure. 

'■Jan.lZ.   Wednesday.    Having  passed  the  night  at  Wilber- 


VISIT   TO   THE    INTERIOR.  129 

force,  v/e  this  morning  proceeded  on  our  journey.  Passing 
Bassa  Town,  we  arrived  at  a  creek,  across  which  two  of  our 
company  swam,  and  brought  over  a  canoe,  in  which  the  re- 
mainder of  us  were  soon  paddled  over.  The  sand  beach  and 
majestic  ocean  were  now  before  us.  On  this  beach  we  walked 
about  three  miles  and  a  half;  crossed  ahother  creek;  and 
arrived  at  a  place  of  some  size,  called  Tongier.  A  considerable 
number  of  people  assembled  ;  and  as  the  headman  understood 
English,  Mr.  Johnson  explained  to  him,  that  the  object  of  our 
visit  was  to  enquire  whether  they  knew  and  served  the  living 
God.  He  confessed  that  they  did  not.  The  awful  consequence 
of  dying  in  ignorance  being  pointed  out  to  him,  he  said  that  it 
was  all  true,  and  that  he  should  be  glad  to  learn.  Tambawas 
then  introduced,  as  a  man  who  could  tell  him  and  his  people, 
in  their  own  tongue,  the  things  which  would  make  for  their 
peace.  Tamba  addressed  them  in  the  Sherbro'  language.  They 
listened  tvith  attention,  and  shewed  by  their  significant  gestures 
atid  answers,  that  they  understood  him. 

'  Thus  was  a  second  uncultivated  language  made  the  means 
of  conveying  to  the  understandings  of  perishing  sinners,  tidings 
of  the  most  stupendous  mercy  that  ever  gladdened  the  heart  of 
the  miserable  !  But  their  eyes  were  so  blinded,  that  they  seemed 
to  view  with  indifference  that  which  the  angels  in  heaven  desire 
to  look  into  ! 

'  The  town  abounded  with  those  marks  of  superstition  which 
are  common  in  this  part  of  Africa.  There  was  scarcely  a 
house  which  had  not  its  wooden  post  and  broken  bowl,  for  its 
defence  !  The  folly  of  depending  on  such  things  being  pointed 
out,  the  headman  acknowledged  that  they  could  do  them  no 
good ;  and  said  that  he  only  kept  them  because  it  was  the 
fashion  of  his  country,  but  did  not  trust  to  them.  Being  asked 
if  he  would  call  his  people  together  on  a  Sunday,  if  any  one 
came  to  instruct  them,  he  said.  No  !  what  they  had  heard  to- 
day was  enough  !  Having  faithfully  warned  him  of  the  prob- 
able consequences  of  his  refusal,  we  left  him  to  consider  of  it, 
and  resumed  our  walk  along  the  sand-beach. 


130  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

'  In  about  four  miles,  south-east,  we  arrived  at  the  first  of 
several  small  villages,  bearing  the  general  name  of  Ajaltopant. 
Here  we  rested  :  and,  having  procured  son)e  fish  and  fowl,  made 
our  dinner.  Fingers  served  us  for  forks  ;  and  a  mat,  spread  on 
the  earth,  for  table  and  chair. 

'  As  the  tide  was  running  in,  we  were  obliged  to  resume  our 
journey  on  the  sand-beach  with  as  much  expedition  as  possible ; 
having  a  creek  to  pass,  which  was  every  moment  getting  deeper. 
We  could  not,  however,  refrain  from  spending  a  few  minutes  in 
observing  the  motions  of  two  large  sharks,  which  were  sporting 
in  the  water  within  a  few  yards  of  the  land. 

'  Having  reached  the  creek,  we  found  it  fordable  ;  and,  strip- 
ping off  our  clothes,  we  soon  waded  through. 

'  Passing  the  Turtle  Rocks,  we  arrived  at  Boombah,  a  small 
village,  containing  nine  or  ten  houses ;  distant  about  seven 
miles  south-east  from  Ajaltopant.  The  men  were  all  absent ; 
but  the  women  accommodated  us  with  the  best  house  in  the 
place,  and  sold  us  plantains,  cassadas,  and  turtles'  eggs,  on 
which  and  some  fish  we  made  our  supper.  While  this  was 
preparing,  some  of  us  took  a  walk  round  the  place.  It  is  situ- 
ated on  a  small  projecting  point  of  land,  nearly  surrounded  with 
the  sea.  The  rocks  adjoining  it  are  quite  barren  ;  but  the  con- 
volvulus and  other  running  flowers  spread  themselves  over  their 
hardy  faces,  and  kindly  lent  them  the  appearance  of  vegetation 
on  the  one  side,  while  the  other  is  exposed  to  all  the  fury  of  the 
waves.  A  few  miles  to  the  east,  the  mountains  of  Sierra  Leone 
appeared  in  view ;  and,  to  the  west,  the  setting  sun  dropped 
into  the  bosom  of  the  ocean. 

'  When  the  shades  of  night  display  the  wonders  of  creation 
in  a  multitude  of  worlds  around  us,  we  are  lost  in  astonishment 
at  the  immensity  of  the  Creator — how  much  more  should  we  be 
lost  in  love  and  adoration,  when  we  consider  that  to  bestow 
salvation  on  the  rebellious  men  of  one  poor  world,  the  great  Cre- 
ator of  the  whole  thought  it  not  too  much  to  shed  His  precious 
blood  upon  a  cross,  beneath  the  insulting  hands  of  His  own 
creatures ! 


VISIT    TO    THE    INTERIOR.  131 

'  Returning  from  our  Avalk,  and  having  refreshed  ourselves 
with  a  wholesome  meal,  we  collected  as  many  people  as  we 
could,  and  told  them  why  we  visited  their  town.  As  Tamba 
spoke  to  them  in  their  own  language,  they  listened  to  what  he 
said.  A  hymn  was  then  sung,  and  the  service  was  concluded 
by  prayer  in  English.  The  women  shewed  much  surprise ;  but 
attempted  to  join  in  the  hymn,  while  they  laughed  and  made 
a  great  noise  during  the  prayer.  May  mercy  be  bestowed  upon 
them ! 

'  "We  passed  the  night  atBoombah  ;  some  sleeping  on  a  rude 
sort  of  bedstead,  with  a  mat  and  blanket ;  and  others  on  the 
floor. 

'  Jan.  14.  Thursday.  Having  committed  ourselves  by  prayer 
to  His  guidance  and  blessing  who  alone  could  keep  us,  we 
resumed  our  walk  this  morning,  on  the  sand  beach,  till  we  were 
stopped  by  a  creek,  which  was  too  deep  for  us  to  pass,  the  tide 
being  full.  After  spending  an  hour  or  two  on  its  bank,  we 
ventured  in.  Those  who  could  swim  had  little  difficulty  in 
getting  to  the  opposite  side.  They  discovered  a  place  where  it 
was  possible  to  walk  through ;  and  thus  we  all  got  safely  over. 
Proceeding  along  the  sand-beach,  we  passed  several  islands ; 
and  arrived  at  a  small  village,  where  w^e  took  some  refresh- 
ment, and  afterward  passed  several  other  villages,  but  found  it 
impracticable  to  stop  at  them  all. 

'  "VVe  next  arrived  at  an  open  bay,  which,  as  the  tide  had 
gone  down,  was  nearly  free  from  water.  Having  gained  the 
opposite  side,  our  road  lay,  for  some  distance,  through  the 
bushes  ;  till  we  again  reached  the  sand-beach,  where  we  passed 
several  small  towns,  but  had  not  time  to  stop,  till  we  arrived  at 
Cape  Shilling,  a  settlement  recently  formed,  about  forty  miles 
distant  from  Wilberforce,  and  forty-three  from  Freetown. 

'  Mr.  Kearney,  the  Superintendent,  was  not  at  home ;  but 
his  servants  provided  a  lodging  for  us,  to  which,  after  par- 
taking of  an  excellent  supper  of  their  providing,  we  gladly 
retired. 

^Jan.    15.    Friday.      The   man   who   conducted   us   from 


132  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

Regent's  Town,  returned,  carrying  intelligence  to  our  friends  of 
our  welfare. 

'  After  taking  a  walk  tbrougli  the  place,  and  breakfosting, 
we  resumed  our  journey  with  a  new  guide ;  and  arrived  at 
Maryar,  about  a  mile  and  a  half  south-east. 

'  In  four  miles  further,  we  got  to  Tumbo,  which  is  a  large 
village  containing  about  fifty  houses  and  many  inhabitants. 
They  possess  a  considerable  quantity  of  cleared  and  cultivated 
land,  on  which  there  were  plenty  of  casadas  growing ;  and,  as 
there  were  several  large  canoes  on  the  beach,  the  appearance 
of  the  place  was  beyond  that  of  the  generality  of  African 
towns. 

'  The  high  mountains  to  our  left  continued  visible :  and  our 
guide  informed  us,  that,  by  going  round  them,  we  might  regain 
the  colony  by  a  much  nearer  way  than  that  by  which  we 
came. 

'  Passing  through  Barbarboo,  we  arrived  at  Margenna,  a 
small  village,  two  miles  from  Tumbo.  We  had  gone  nearly  a 
mile  beyond  it,  when  we  were  hailed  by  two  men,  who  enquir- 
ed whither  we  were  going.  On  being  informed,  they  told  us 
that  we  could  not  cross  the  water  which  was  just  before  us 
without  a  canoe,  and  that  at  the  place  to  which  we  were  going 
we  could  not  get  one.  Our  guide  assenting  to  the  probability 
of  the  thing,  we  returned  to  Margenna.  Here  they  informed 
us  that  they  had  a  canoe  to  let,  which  we  engaged  ;  but,  from 
the  exorbitant  charge  which  they  wished  to  make  for  taking  us 
across  the  bay,  we  were  disposed  to  think  that  there  might  be 
as  much  self-interest  as  friendship  in  their  calling  us  back.  After 
they  had  received  the  quantity  of  fish-hooks  and  tobacco  agreed 
upon,  they  made  many  trifling  excuses  and  delayed  us  for  a 
long  time.  Our  patience  being  exhausted,  Mr.  Johnson 
demanded  either  our  articles  back  again,  or  the  canoe  to  be 
immediately  got  ready.  They  chose  to  fulfil  the  agreement : 
but,  though  we  were  destitute  of  provisions,  and  had  the  pros- 
pect of  being  on  the  water  till  night,  they  would  not  sell  us 
any  thing  to  eat. 


VISIT    TO    THE    INTERIOR.  133 

'  Our  course,  at  first  was  south-east  by  east ;  but  gradually 
changed  to  east.  Though  we  went  about  eight  miles  across 
the  bay,  the  water,  for  the  greater  part  of  tlie  way,  was  very 
shallow  and  filthy,  the  oars  frequently  bringing  up  mud  from 
the  bottom.  It  abounds  in  oysters  and  wild  fowl.  A  bank  of 
several  miles  in  length  is  almost  covered  with  these  helpless 
fish  ;  which  seem  to  wait  the  hand  of  man,  to  make  at  least 
one  change  in  their  motionless  and  almost  inanimate  life.  The 
wild  fowl  were  in  great  variety  ;  and  so  tame  as  to  allow  a 
very  near  view  of  them.  One  species  exceeds,  in  size,  the  Eng- 
lish goose,  and  nearly  resembles  it  in  colour  :  its  beak  is  very 
large,  and  of  singular  construction  ;  when  open,  the  skin  forms 
the  appearance  of  a  bag,  hanging  between  it  and  the  neck  : 
the  first  time  that  the  bird  opened  its  beak  in  our  view,  one  of 
our  boys  exclaimed,  with  surprise,  "  Ah  !  he  have  pocket !" 
Birds  and  oysters  are  not  the  only  inhabitants  of  the  bay  ;  for 
we  saw  evident  traces  of  alligators  on  the  mud,  but  were  mer- 
cifully preserved  from  the  devouring  jaws  of  these  animals. 

'  Having  crossed  the  bay,  we  entered  the  river  at  its  extrem- 
ity, and  went  several  miles  up  it.  Its  stream  is  deep,  but  very 
muddy,  running  nearly  east.  The  mangroves  on  each  side 
form  a  complete  forest,  and  quite  shut  out  the  country  from 
view. 

'  We  entered  a  small  creek,  which,  in  some  places,  would  but 
just  allow  the  canoe  to  pass.  At  the  end  of  it,  where  we  left 
the  canoe,  we  had  to  be  carried  a  considerable  way  through  the 
mud,  on  a  man's  back,  before  we  could  land. 

'  The  town  to  which  we  were  going  being  situated  near  our 
landing-place,  the  people  soon  caught  sight  of  us.  The  men 
armed  themselves,  and  came  out  to  meet  us ;  but,  as  our 
appearance,  like  our  message,  was  quite  peaceful,  they  did.  not 
interrupt  us.  We,  therefore,  entered  the  town,  which  is  about 
the  size  of  Tumbo ;  but  has  not  so  many  inhabitants. 

'  It  was  now  nearly  dark  ;  and,  as  we  had  been  all  day 
without  eating,  we  were  glad  to  purchase  plantains,  bananas, 
casadas,  rice,  and  oysters. 

6 


134  MEMOIR    OF    .JOHNSON. 

*  Xot  having  an  opportunity  of  collecting  the  people  that 
evening,  we  only  informed  the  headman  of  the  object  of  our 
visit,  and  requested  him  to  tell  the  people  that  we  would  speak 
to  them  in  the  morning. 

^  Jan.  16.  Saturday.  The  first  thing,  tliis  morning,  was  to 
get  the  people  together.  Having  accomplished  this,  Tamba 
addressed  them  in  Sherbro',  according  to  the  directions  of  Mr. 
Johnson.  They  were  all  seated  around  him  ;  some  on  stools, 
and  some  on  country  chairs  ;  forming  a  motley  group.  They 
were  generally  attentive  while  he  spoke.  AVhen  he  had  done, 
they  talked  a  little  time  together ;  after  which  one  of  them  told 
Tamba,  that  they  could  not  say  what  he  had  spoken  was  bad  : 
but  that  the  fashions  which  they  kept,  were  the  same  as  the 
old  men  before  them  had  done,  and  they  knew  no  othei-s  ;  but 
if  any  one  came  to  tell  them,  they  would  hear.^  Tamba  then 
informed  them,  that  it  was  our  wish  to  send  some  person  that 
way,  who  could  occasionally  come  to  visit  them,  and  tell  them 
the  things  that  make  for  their  peace.  They  seemed  very  well 
pleased  with  this  intelligence. 

'  We  had  not  been  long  in  the  town,  before  we  were  warned 
not  to  go  into  one  particular  house,  as  it  would  assuredly  kill 
us.  To  confirm  this,  we  were  shown  a  dead  horned-owl,  which 
was  hanging  near  it ;  and  which,  M'e  were  told,  had  presumed 
to  fly  over  this  wonderful  house,  and  therefore  liad  dropped 
down  dead. 

'  After  breakfast,  we  took  leave  of  the  people ;  and,  having 
entered  another  canoe,  we  were  once  more  afloat  on  the  muddy 
stream,  which  the  natives  call  the  Ta.  We  ascended  this  river 
about  seven  miles  ;  at  first,  north-west  by  north,  and  afterwards 
west.  We  then  left  the  main  stream,  which  took  a  southerly 
direction,  and  entered  a  smaller,  running  north-west  by  north  ; 
and  proceeded  about  half  a  mile,  to  a  place  where  we  landed, 
and  walked  another  half  mile  to  Mema,  a  small  town. 

'  In  our  way  to  Robiss  from  this  place,  we  walked  about 
seven  miles,  through  a  country  more  fertile  than  we  had  yet 
seen.     Casadas  and  rice  grow  in  great  plenty. 


VISIT    TO    THE    INTKRIOK.  135 

'  At  the  end  of  this  seven  miles  we  again  reached  the  Ta  ; 
but  the  stream  was  too  much  diminished  to  carry  a  canoe.  We 
proceeded,  therefore,  by  land,  seven  miles  further,  to  Tom's 
Place,  the  road  lying  through  thick  bushes  all  the  way.  This 
brought  us  to  the  side  of  the  Quer,  a  branch  of  the  Bunch 
River ;  and  we  should  have  gladly  got  into  a  canoe  to  take  us 
to  Robiss,  but  not  one  could  be  procured.  We  were  obliged, 
therefore,  to  set  off  again  on  foot,  with  a  boy  for  our  guide, 
intending  to  pass  the  night  at  the  next  town,  as  we  found  we 
could  not  reach  Robiss.  We  had  to  walk  through  mangroves, 
by  the  river  side,  where  the  mud  was  deep  ;  and  had,  after  this, 
to  pass  a  part  of  the  stream  about  four  feet  deep.  Our  way 
continued  through  the  mangroves  ;  and,  frequently,  for  half  a 
mile  together,  we  were  obliged  to  pull  off  shoes  and  stockings, 
and  walk  through  the  mud.  This  continued  four  miles,  till  we 
readied  the  expected  town  ;  wet,  hungry,  and  tired. 

'  We  were  calculating  on  getting  here  rest  and  food  for  our 
bodies,  and  imparting  food  to  the  souls  of  the  people  ;  but, 
when  we  entered,  to  our  great  mortification,  there  was  no  one 
in  the  town  but  an  old  woman  and  a  few  children,  who  neither 
wanted  any  thing  from  us,  nor  would  give  any  thing  to  us. 

'  About  a  mile  farther,  we  came  to  a  hut,  in  a  farm,  where 
■we  found  a  woman  and  two  girls.  Beyond  this  place  our  guide 
would  not  go  a  step. 

'  Our  situation  was  not  very  pleasant.  We  had  either  to 
remain  where  we  were,  without  a  place  to  sleep  in,  or  sufficient 
food  ;  or  to  go  into  the  w^oods,  with  night  fast  approaching, 
without  a  guide,  and  withont  knowing  a  step  of  the  way. 
Hoping  we  might  find  another  town,  we  set  off;  and  went 
through  several  farms,  till  the  road  entered  the  wood.  Here 
we  soon  lost  all  traces  of  it,  and  were  obliged  to  go  back  to 
one  of  the  farms,  where  there  was  an  empty  shed  ;  resolving  to 
take  up  our  abode  there  for  the  night.  Tamba  then  went  to 
the  woman,  at  the  farm  where  we  first  stopped,  to  try  to  get 
something  to  eat ;  but  she  either  could  not  or  would  not  let  us 
have  any  thing,  nor  lend  us  a  pot  to  cook  the  little  food  whicli 


13G  MEMOIR    OF   JOIINSOX. 

we  liad.  Wc  were  obliged,  therefore,  once  more,  to  try  if  we 
could  not  discover  a  road  through  the  wood  ;  but  our  endeavours 
proved  fruitless. 

•  It  was  now  dark,  and  we  could  not  see  the  road,  even 
wliere  there  was  one.  As  soon  as  we  had  j-eached  another 
farm,  wheie  there  was  a  shed,  we  again  stopped  ;  and  here  we 
found  a  fire  and  an  iron  pot,  though  no  inhabitant ;  and  were 
glad  to  spread  our  blankets  on  the  earth.  The  animals  in  the 
adjoining  wood  soon  howled  us  asleep.  About  two  o'clock  in 
the  morning,  we  awoke;  and,  finding  ourselves  cold,  and  a 
heavy  dew  falling  on  us,  we  heated,  some  water,  and  mixed 
with  it  the  last  port-wine  which  we  had,  and  drank  it  out  of  an 
old  broken  wooden  bowl.  We  then  lay  down  again  ;  and 
slept  in  safety  till  day  began  to  break. 

'  We  had  travelled  nearly  thirty  miles  ;  the  greatest  part  of 
the  way  on  foot,  without  any  thing  to  eat.  We  lay  down  in 
an  open  field  in  a  country  which  is  the  habitation  of  elephants 
and  leopards,  under  the  falling  of  a  heavy  dew,  and  arose 
without  having  received  the  slightest  injury.  Surely  good- 
ness and  mercy  were  with  us  ! 

'  Jan.  17.  Sunday.  The  morning  of  Sunday  found  us  in  this 
situation ;  without  any  food,  and  without  knowing  our  way. 

'  We  set  ofl'  as  soon  as  it  was  light,  in  quest  of  a  town. 
Following  the  most  beaten  path,  we  had  not  walked  more  than 
two  miles,  before  we  had  the  pleasure  of  hearing  human  voices  ; 
and  soon  met  a  woman  and  some  children.  They  told  us  that 
we  were  in  the  right  road  to  a  town ;  Avhich  we  reached  in 
another  mile.  It  was  a  very  small  place,  called  Corry.  Here 
we  breakfasted  ;  and,  as  the  people  informed  us  that  their 
town  was  not  far  from  Kobiss,  we  determined  to  proceed 
thither ;  hoping  to  be  able  to  reach  it  in  time  to  assemble  the 
people  for  worship,  in  the  earlier  part  of  the  day.  Wc  came 
to  a  town,  called  Monshon,  or  Komonshon.  The  people  bei'ig 
Timmanees,  Tamba  could  not  talk  to  them,  nor  did  they  seem 
willing  to  receive  us.  We  v/ere  obliged,  therefore,  to  proceed  ;  and 
followed  a  man  who  was  going  to  Eobiss,  which  they  assured  us 


APPOINTMENT    OF    NATIVE    TEACHERS..  13Y 

was  not  far  distant,  tbougli  it  proved  still  about  eiglit  miles. 
In  the  way,  we  crossed  several  small  streams,  one  of  which  is 
the  water  which  comes  from  Regent's  Town. 

'  At  Robiss,  our  first  object  was  to  collect  the  people  to- 
gether, and  inform  them  the  cause  of  our  visit.  Mr.  Johnson 
spoke  to  them  through  an  interpreter.  The  headman  acknow- 
ledged what  he  heard  was  good,  and  said  he  should  be  glad  to 
hear  more  of  it.  In  the  evening,  he  attended  again  ;  and,  as 
Mr.  Johnson  preached,  he  made  frequent  replies,  saying, 
"  Good  ! "  "  True  ! "  "  Right !  "  &c. 

'  The  town  is  large  and  populous  ;  but  the  people  are  wholly 
given  to  idolatry  and  superstition.  We  could  not  render  thera 
much  service,  none  of  our  company  speaking  Timmanee  ;'and 
though  the  headman  understood  English,  many  of  the  people 
did  not  know  a  word.  After  evening  service,  we  were  glad  to 
retire  to  rest. 

'  e/are.  18.  Monday.  Early  this  morning,  we  returned,  by 
Leicester  Mountain,  to  Regent's  Town,  where  our  arrival  occa- 
sioned great  joy.  The  people  so  thronged  round  Mr.  Johnson, 
that,  before  we  reached  the  house,  they  amounted  to  a  crowd. 

'Thus,  in  seven  days,  we  walked  upwards  of  120  miles; 
taking  a  complete  circuit  round  the  colony ;  and  we  thus  made 
known  the  glad  tidings  of  salvation,  in  several  places,  and  in 
several  tongues,  in  which,  perhaps,  it  was  never  heard  before. 

'  May  some  portion  of  the  seed,  thus  scattered,  be  so  blessed, 
that  it  may  bring  glory  to  God  and  salvation  to  lost  souls  ! ' 

One  important  result  of  this  journey  must  not  be  overlooked. 
Mr.  Johnson  and  his  colleague  felt  so  satisfied  with  the  manner 
in  which  William  Tamba  had  addressed  the  natives,  on  various 
occasions  during  this  tour,  that  both  he  and  William  Davis 
were  taken  into  the  service  of  the  Society,  with  a  view  to  their 
being  employed  in  bearing  the  message  of  salvation  into  native 
districts. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  missionaries,  held  in  Freetown,  on  the 
25th  of  January  1819,  Mr.  Johnson  stated  that  these  young 
men  had  given  most  satisfactory  proofs  of  their  conversion  to 


138  MKMOIII    OF   JOHNSUX. 

Christianity,  and  that  they  had  long  cherished  a  desire  to  visit 
their  respective  countries,  in  order  to  communicate  to  their 
friends,  what  great  things  the  Lord  had  done  for  them,  and  to 
make  known  to  them  the  glad  tidings  by  which  their  own 
hearts  had  been  won.  Both  of  them,  Mr.  Johnson  said,  pos- 
sessed abilities  for  the  work,  as  he  had  proved  at  least,  in  the 
case  of  William  Tamba,  during  the  excursion  which  he  had 
recently  taken  round  the  colony. 

William  Tamba  and  William  Davis  were  thep  called  in  and 
examined.   The  examination  of  the  former  proceeded  as  follows  : 

"  Do  you  wish  to  go  among  your  country  people  ?"  "  Yes." 
—"What  for?"  "To  talk  about  God  palaver."— Are  you 
able  to  do  that  ?"  "Not  by  myself,  but  if  God  help  me,  I  can." 
— Do  you  think  He  will  help  you  ?"  "  If  I  pray  to  Him  He 
will." — "  Do  you  not  think  your  present  situation  is  better  for 
you  ?  Many  good  men  have  been  ill-treated  by  an  evil  world. 
Perhaps  you  may  be  caught  and  sold  for  a  slave,  or  you  may 
be  killed."  "  I  know  not  what  may  come  to  pass  ; — if  they  kill 
me,  they  kill  me,  I  know  what  I  go  for." — "  Do  you  think  it  is 
God's  will  that  you  should  go  ?"  "  I  cannot  prove  that,  I  am 
full  of  fear." — "  W^hat  do  you  fear  ?"  "I  have  a  great  desire 
to  go  and  tell  them  what  God  has  done  for  me,  but  I  some- 
times fear  that  it  may  arise  from  my  own  deceitful  heart,  and 
that  I  should  do  no  good." 

Of  W^illiam  Davis,  an  examination  equally  satisfactory 
ensued  : 

"  Do  you  wish  to  go  to  your  country  people  ?"  "  Yes,  I  wish 
to  talk  to  them  about  Jesus  Christ.  AVhen  I  remember  the 
state  in  which  they  are,  and  in  which  I  was,  I  feel  sorry,  and 
wish  to  go  and  talk  to  them,  but  am  full  of  doubt."  "  When 
did  you  feel  that  desire  first  ?"  "  When  Jesus  first  began  to 
work  upon  my  heart,  two  Christmas  past."  "  Dare  you  go  to 
your  country  people  alone  ?"  "  No,  I  cannot  go  in  my  own 
strength."  "  Do  you  think  they  would  catch  you,  and  make 
you  a  slave  ?"   "  Perhaps  they  would,  but  if  God  be  with  me,  I 


APPOINTMENT    OF    NATIVE    TEACHERSi  139 

don't  care."  "  Should  you  get  trouble,  or  contempt  and  ridi- 
cule, would  you  bear  it  for  Christ's  sake  ?"  "  Yes,  I  don't  mind 
that;  my  countrymen  here  have  laughed  at  me  ;  if  God  be  with 
me,  I  can  bear  it."  "  Many  young  men  from  Africa  have  been 
to  England  and  were  educated  there  ;  but  when  they  went  back 
to  their  own  countries,  they  soon  turned  heathens  again.  Do 
you  think  you  could  resist  this  ?"  "  If  God  be  with  me  I  can ; 
but  by  myself,  I  can  do  nothing." 

On  the  subject  of  sending  native  teachers  among  their  coun- 
trymen, the  committee,  to  whom  the  accession  of  Tamba  and 
Davis  to  the  ranks  of  the  Society  was  submitted  for  their  appro- 
val, expressed  themselves  to  their  missionaries  with  becoming 
caution,  while  confirming  their  appointment.  They  desired  that 
the  natives  received  into  the  Society's  service  should  be  habi- 
tuated, on  a  well-digested  plan,  to  visit  the  country-people 
either  in  or  out  of  the  colony.  They  felt,  they  said,  "  that  it 
would  not  be  advisable  to  send  native  Christians  alone  to  reside 
in  their  respective  countries,  until  they  should  have  gained 
some  general  knowledge  of  men  and  things,  and  be  tolerably 
well  grounded  in  enlarged  views  of  Christianity,  and  have 
given  decisive  evidence  of  its  enlightening  and  steady  influence 
on  their  own  minds.  A  competent  acquaintance,"  they  conti- 
nued, "  with  the  system  of  mutual  instruction,  is  of  prime  neces- 
sity to  such  men  :  if  not  previously  grounded  therein,  the  com- 
mittee wish  them  to  attend  some  of  the  schools  until  they 
become  familiar  with  its  details  ;  after  taking  charge  of  a  school 
themselves,  for  a  sufficient  time,  under  the  eye  of  the  Society's 
friends  in  the  colony  ;  if  they  acquit  themselves  well  in  that  ser- 
vice, they  may  be  sent  forth  with  good  hope  of  success,  by  the 
blessing  of  God,  among  their  countrymen." 

But  while  Mr.  Johnson's  desires  thus  led  him  to  overpass  the 
bounds  of  the  colony ;  and  would  doubtless  have  cai'ried  him 
to  larger  and  more  permanent  operations  in  Western  Africa,  it 
pleased  God  to  suddenly  arrest  his  course.  First,  a  long  pause 
occurs ;  and  then  the  journal  resumes  : — 


140  MEMOIR    OF   JOHNSON. 

'  March  9.  Great  are,  and  have  been,  my  trials,  which  have 
been  the  cause  of  my  neglecting  to  write  my  journal.  But 
should  I  not  have  written  down  my  trials  every  day,  as  I  pass- 
ed through  the  valley  of  darkness? — might  it  not  have 
refreshed  my  soul  hereafter,  when  in  similar  circumstances  ? 
But  ah  I  how  can  they  be  forgotten  by  me  while  they  are 
engraven  on  my  very  heart  ? 

'  Mrs.  Johnson  was  taken  so  ill  that  the  doctor  advised  her 
to  return  to  England  as  soon  as  possible.  It  was  agreed  upon 
at  a  special  meeting  of  Missionaries  so  to  do.  Before  that  time 
I  went  with  Mr.  Gates  and  Tamba  to  the  Sherbro  country ;  we 
completed  a  tour  round  the  colony  at  the  same  time,  and  I  can 
say  with  success.  Mr.  Gates  has  since  started  again  with  Tamba 
and  Davis  to  their  respective  countries,  the  distance  of  400 
miles.  May  our  God,  Jehovah,  be  with  them  and  bless  their 
labours  with  abundant  success. 

'  Mrs.  Johnson  became  worse,  and  I  was  strongly  advised  to 
accompany  her  to  England,  as  it  was  necessary  that  particular 
care  should  be  taken  of  her.  This  brought  me  into  great 
distress. 

*  To  leave  my  people  seemed  insupportable,  and  to  leave  my 
afflicted  wife  seemed  equally  so.  Tears  and  restless  nights  were 
my  portion.  I  saw  my  duty  as  a  husband,  on  the  one  hand,  to 
accompany  my  dear  wife  in  her  affliction ;  and,  on  the  other,  I 
feared  to  become  a  careless  shepherd  :  and,  as  trials  of  this  kind 
seldom  come  by  themselves,  doubts  and  fears  of  my  own  state 
began  to  prevail,  and  I  scarcely  knew  whether  I  was  a 
Ghristian. 

'  My  dear  wife  is  still  in  Freetown,  waiting  for  a  vessel,  and 
I  am  still  uncertain  whether  I  shall  go  or  not.  To  leave  my 
people  seems  impossible,  although  I  believe  that  it  would  be 
for  the  good  of  the  cause  at  large.  Many  things  stand  in  need 
of  being  represented  to  the  society,  which  I  trust  I  should  be 
enabled  to  do  faithfully. 

'Heavy,  however,  as  my  trials  have  been,  they  have  been 
blessed  abundantly.     The  discourses  which  I  addressed  to  my 


LETTERS    FROM    ENGLAND.  141 

people,  while  under  these  conflicts  of  mind,  had  been  made. the 
means  of  great  good.  No  fewer  than  fifty-two  negroes  have 
been  added,  this  last  month,  to  the  Church  of  Christ,  and  many- 
more  are  candidates  for  baptism.  O  my  God,  it  has  been  good 
for  me  that  I  have  been  afflicted  ! 

'  I  pray  thee,  for  Jesus'  sake,  pardon  the  sins  I  have  com- 
mitted. Ah  !  unbelief,  unbelief  and  hellish  thoughts  and  deeds 
are  still  upon  my  mind.  Oh  my  God,  thou  knowest  the 
depravity  of  my  heart.  I  thank  thee  that  thou  hast  found  a 
Eansom. 

'■March  17.  Many  are  still  my  trials,  and  many  are  the 
mercies  I  daily  receive  from  God's  bountiful  hands.  We  have 
met  almost  every  night  to  examine  candidates ;  it  is  indeed 
wonderful  to  hear  the  dealings  of  the  Lord  with  these  people. 
Mr.  Morgan  was  present  one  night,  and  was  so  delighted,  that 
he  was  lost  in  admiration.  A  man  was  sent  here  about  two 
years  ago,  who  had  been  on  board  of  a  man-of-war  for  a  long 
time ;  he  has  been  indeed  a  trial  to  me,  and  to  all  my  people — 
he  protested  against  religion,  and  lived  in  sin  with  greediness. 
Some  time  ago,  one  Sunday  afternoon,  he  was  at  church.  I 
felt  no  liberty  that  time,  and  could  not  get  on  with  my  dis- 
course ;  my  own  life  recurred  to  my  mind,  and  I  was  constrain- 
ed to  introduce  my  own  tale.  This  proved  to  be  the  time  of 
that  man's  conversion.  The  lion  was  turned  into  a  lamb.  He 
was  examined  last  week,  and  received  as  a  candidate  for  bap- 
tism ;  he  was  in  England  a  long  while,  but  was  never  baptized. 
Only  the  sovereign  grace  of  God  could  do  this. 

'  I  am  almost  constrained  to  speak  God  palaver  while  I  write 
this.  A  woman  kept  talking  about  her  bad  heart,  and  was  to 
be  examined.  She  appears  to  be  disturbed  on  accoant  of 
sin.' 

The  following  letters  will  be  fittingly  introduced  in  this 
place. 


6* 


142  MEMOIR   OF   JOHXSO?f. 


The  Secretaries  to  the  Rev.  W.  A.  B.  Johnson. 

'Church  Missionary  Hous 
'London,  April  8,  1819 


\ 


*  Deau  Brother  Johnson, 

'We  liave  been  greatly  refreshed  and  encouraged  by  yours, 
dated  January  26,  1810,  and  including  the  account  of  the 
Missionary  meeting,  and  of  your  journey  round  the  colony. 
"We  rejoice  in  these  beginnings  of  more  extensive  labours.  We 
find,  indeed,  that  the  Governor  does  not  quite  approve  of  any 
exertions  out  of  the  colony,  but  we  have  endeavoured  in  our 
answer  to  his  letter,  to  satisfy  his  mind  that  it  is  desirable,  and 
our  duty  to  make  such  exertions. 

'  We  rejoice  in  the  continued  increase  of  your  church,  and 
bless  God  for  it. 

'The  Committee  have  been  disposed  to  think,  from  the 
Governor's  representations,  that  you  may  have  been  rather 
too  slow  to  baptize,  making  all  due  allowance  for  his  not 
having  our  views  and  feelings.  We  must  remember  that  bap' 
tism  itself  is  a  means  of  grace,  and  may  be  a  turning-point  in 
a  man's  decision  of  heart  for  Christ. 

'  We  are  also  decidedly  of  opinion  that,  in  cases  of 'baptized 
persons  dying,  you  may  with  a  safe  conscience  use  the  Burial 
Service,  whatever  their  previous  character  was ;  otherwise  we 
take  on  ourselves  a  judgment  of  condemnation,  which  alone 
belongs  to  God ;  besides,  by  a  needless  scrupulosity  we  lose 
great  things  when  we  need  not. 

'  We  do  not  say  this  to  lead  you  to  act  against  your  con- 
science, but  to  assist  you  to  form  a  correct  judgment  by  giving 
you  our  opinions. 

'It  was  very  gratifying  to  us  to  find  that  three  of  your  con- 
gregation, Randle,  Davis,  and  Tamba,  were  judged  fit  to  be 
teachers  to  the  natives.  It  is  the  very  thing  that  the  Commit- 
tee have  been  longing  to  see;  and  they  pray  God  that  liis 
abundant  blessing  may  rest  upon   their  labours.     They  will 


PROPOSED    VISIT    TO    ENGLAND,  143 

gladly  support  them,  and  sucli  others  as  may  be  found,  after 
examination,  qualified  for  such  a  work. 

'  We  have,  however,  some  fears,  lest  your  hands  may  be  so 
weakened,  by  losing  these  three,  and  Mr.  Gates  also,  from  Re- 
gent's Town,  that  the  work  there  may  be  too  much  for  you. 

*  The  Committee  trust  that  they  have  in  good  measure  sup- 
plied the  wants  of  the  colony.  They  are,  however,  happy  to 
say,  that  an  excellent  second  chaplain,  the  Rev.  Thomas  Garn- 
sey  (a  young  man  with  Mr.  Garnon's  spirit)  recommended  by 
the  Society,  will  come  to  the  colony,  (D.  V.)  at  the  beginning 
of  the  dry  season. 

'  We  gi'ieve  to  hear  about  your  dear  wife,  and  shall  be  glad 
to  show  her  all  the  attention  in  our  power,  when  she  arrives. 

'  You  could  not  expect  to  have  so  many  spiritual  blessings 
in  your  congregation,  without  deep  trials  also.  The  Lord 
generally  balances  his  dealings,  lest  we  be  puffed  up. 

'The  account  of  your  journey  was  very  interesting.  Con- 
tinue to  furnish  us  with  such  full  accounts  of  all  that  takes 
place. 

*  We  are,  &c., 

'  JosiAH  Pratt, 

'  Edward  Bickersteth.' 

Rev.  W.  Johnson  to  the  Secretaries. 

'Regent's  Town,  Feb.  24,  1819. 
'  Rev.  and  dear  Sirs, 

'  I  wrote  to  you  in  November  by  the  Pyrennees,  and  enclosed 
my  journal  up  to  that  period.  I  also  wrote  to  you  in  January, 
and  enclosed  the  minutes  of  the  first  anniversary  of  our  Mis- 
sionary Society,  with  the  journal  of  our  late  excursion  round 
the  colony. 

*My  present  trials  are  great  on  behalf  of  Mrs.  Johnson, 
whose  state  of  health  is  indeed  precarious.  It  was  agreed 
upon  at  a  special  meeting  of  Missionaries,  that  she  should  go 
to  England  by  the  first  conveyance,  but  as  her  illness  has  not 


144  MEMOIR    OF   JOHNSON. 

the  least  abated,  it  is  to  be  feared — and  is  the  opinion  of  the 
doctors — that  she  will  not  be  able  to  undergo  the  voyage,  un- 
less particular  care  be  taken  of  her  while  crossing  the  sea. 

'  I  proposed  to  them  her  staying  here,  but  they  gave  me  no 
answer.  I  asked  Mr.  Macaulay  Wilson  (who  is  a  man  of  ex- 
perience, having  been  under  Mr.  Winterbottom,  and  having 
practised  for  many  years  in  this  colony),  and  he  told  me,  that 
if  Mrs.  Johnson  stayed  here,  she  would  not  recover,  but  if  she 
went  home  she  might  recover;  providing  particular  care  was 
taken  of  her  on  the  passage ;  and  he  did  not  consider  a  girl 
suflBcient  to  accompany  her,  and  would  advise  me  to  go  with 
her  myself.  To  this  I  could  in  no  wise  agree.  You  know 
well,  dear  Sirs,  how  I  am  situated.  To  leave  my  flock  would 
be  a  great  trial  to  me.  Speaking  to  several  Christian  friends 
on  the  subject,  they  all  advised  me  to  go  with  Mrs.  Johnson, 
which  has  caused  great  distress  to  my  soul.  To  leave  my  peo- 
ple is  a  mountain  insurmountable  to  reason,  and  to  leave  my 
wife  is  another.  I  have  stated  my  distressing  case  in  a  letter 
to  Mr.  Collier,  who  makes  many  objections  to  my  going  with 
Mrs.  Johnson,  though  in  the  end,  he  advises  me  to  .go,  provi- 
ded a  confidential  person  could  be  found  to  take  charge  of  my 
people  during  my  absence.  I  have  also  stated  my  case  to  the 
Governor,  who  advises  me  to  go ;  and  said  that  he  would  give 
me  leave  of  absence  with  pleasure,  if  a  trusty  person  could 
take  charge  of  my  people ;  "  for,"  said  he,  "  I  should  be  dis- 
tressed to  think  that  a  person  was  at  Regent's  Town  who 
would  do  more  harm  than  good."  He  moreover  advised  me 
to  wait  until  Captain  Rowe  sailed,  which  would  be  in  about 
six  weeks,  and  during  that  time  the  expected  schoolmasters 
would  most  likely  arrive,  when  one  (a  married  man)  might  go 
with  me  for  two  or  three  weeks  to  Regent's  Town,  and  during 
that  time  be  sufficiently  instructed  to  take  care  of  ray  people 
during  my  absence.  To  this,  however,  Mr.  Collier  objects,  and. 
says  that  none  but  a  minister  can  take  my  situation.  He  pro- 
poses Mr.  Wilhelm,  to  which  I  cannot  agree.  Mr.  Wilhelm  is 
a  good  man,  but  not  at  all  suitable  for  my  situation.     He 


PKOPOSED    VISIT   TO    ENGLAND.  145 

might  come  here  occasionally  to  do  the  ministerial  part,  and  a 
schoolmaster  the  other  business,  but  to  take  the  whole  would 
not  be  advisable.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Morgan  are  the  persons  whom 
I  should  like  to  leave  with  my  people.  But  I  cannot  at  pre- 
sent make  up  my  mind  what  to  do.  I  stated  my  case  to  my 
people,  who  were  drowned  in  tears,  but  said  I  must  go  and 
come  back  quick.  Oh  that  the  will  of  the  Lord  may  be  done ; 
may  all  turn  out  to  the  furtherance  of-  his  gospel. 

'  I  must  confess  that  I  have  many  things  to  tell  you,  which  I 
cannot  express  with  the  pen.  Should  I  see  my  way  clear,  and 
return  with  Mrs.  Johnson  to  England,  I  think  it  will  have  its 
proper  end.  Oh,  may  God  guide  me  aright.  I  have  now  so 
many  babes  in  Christ  under  my  care,  oh  for  faith  to  give  them 
into  the  hands  of  him  who  is  able  to  keep  them  from  falling. 
I  know  that  it  is  against  the  regulations  of  the  Society,  for  any 
Missionary  to  return  home  without  having  obtained  permission 
of  the  Committee  ;  however,  I  trust  that  they  will,  if  I  return, 
pity  my  case. 

'  I  hear  that  Mrs.  Johnson  is  getting  Avorse,  and  that  the 
doctors  advise  her  to  go  as  soon  as  possible. 

'  Mr.  Gates,  W.  Davis,  and  W.  Tamba  left  us  on  the  first  of 
this  month.  I  received  a  letter  from  Mr,  Gates  dated  the  10th, 
on  Friday  last,  from  York  Island.  They  have  been  at  Jenkins' 
Town.  Two  days  previous,  Tamba  preached  in  the  native 
tongues  wherever  an  opportunity  offered  itself.  The  Sherbro 
king  wishes  to  see  them  again  on  their  return.  May  the  Lord 
be  with  them,  and  open  many  effectual  ways  for  the  gospel, 
through  their  instrumentality.  Prayers  are  offered  up  for  them 
by  the  people  here  without  ceasing. 

'  A  considerable  number  of  candidates  have  been  received 
since  Christmas,  and  these  I  intend  to  baptize  on  Easter  Sun- 
day. Numbers  are  under  conviction  of  sin,  and  are  daily 
inquiring  what  they  must  do  to  be  saved.  Oh  may  our  Saviour 
have  all  the  glory  for  his  work  of  grace.  Surely  the  day  is 
come  when  Ethiopia  shall  stretch  out  her  hands  unto  God. 


146  MKMOIR    OF   J0HK80N. 

'Finally,  dear  Sirs,  I  would  solicit  an  interest  in  your 
prayers.  Oh  pray  for  me, — pray  for  one  really  distressed  in 
mind. 

'  W.  Johnson.' 

'  Hev.  W,  Johnson  to  the  Secretaries, 

'  Regent's  Town,  March  23,  1819. 
*  Rev.  and  dear  Siks, 

'I  wrote  to  you,  at  the  latter  end  of  last  month,  a  doleful 
letter,  and  am  almost  sorry  that  I  sent  it ;  but  it  is  gone.  I 
feel  at  present  quite  dift'erent,  and  am  sure  that  it  is  good  for 
me  to  have  been  afflicted.  The  discourses  I  preached  while 
passing  through  the  valley,  have  been  abundantly  blessed  to 
ray  people.  I  see  the  fruit  of  them  every  day.  While  telling 
my  own  tale,  the  vilest  were  pricked  at  heart ;  the  number  of 
communicants  and  candidates  amount  now  to  200  and  upwards, 
whose  conduct  and  conversation  is  such  as  becomes  Christians. 
The  candidates  will  be  baptized  on  Easter  Sunday,  if  it  pleases 
our  God.  The  school-girls  are,  in  general,  piously  inclined ;  the 
elder  have  be'en  received  as  candidates  :  it  would  do  you  good 
to  hear  them  declare  what  the  Lord  has  done  for  their  souls. 

'  Many  of  the  boys  have  also  become  serious,  but  it  is  not 
so  general  amongst  the  girls,  they  are  younger,  which  may  in 
some  measure  be  the  reason.  On  the  whole,  all  the  people 
seem  to  be  hungering  after  the  righteousness  of  Jesus,  their 
conduct  is  changed,  though  there  are  some  who  still  would 
rather  hold  fast  their  country  fashions,  but  they  see  the  pros- 
perity of  the  righteous,  which  stops  their  mouths,  and  persuades 
them  there  is  something  real  and  sound  in  Christianity. 

'  Our  boys'  school-house  was  burned  down  a  few  days  ago, 
which  prevents  our  going  on  with  the  day-school ;  but  I  hope 
we  shall  finish  another  next  week.  I  was  at  a  loss  to  conceive 
how  to  build  another  house ;  but  the  boys  being  willing  to 
build  again,  and  the  girls  offering  their  service  to  assist  the 
boys,  we  commenced  the  following  day,  and  have  nearly  finished 


rnoPOSED  VISIT  to  England.  H7 

it.  The  girls'  house  suffered  much,  as  it  also  caught  fire,  and 
my  house  was  in  great  danger,  but  the  Lord  heard  our  prayers 
in  the  moment  of  trouble.  The  wind  being  very  boisterous  at 
the  commencement  of  the  fire,  a  complete  calm  followed,  so 
that  the  flames  ascended  perpendicularly,  and  all  the  people 
beheld  with  astonishment  the  hand  of  the  Lord.  Nearly  100 
boys  were  asleep  in  the  roof,  who  all  came  down  small  ladders, 
so  that  not  one  Was  hurt. 

'  The  foundation  of  a  permanent  school-house  for  the  girls 
having  been  dug,  70  by  23  feet,  was  immediately  begun  by  the 
masons,  which  they  have  finished  in  four  weeks  ;  the  carpenters 
are  now  putting  the  roof  on. 

'  We  yesterday  began  a  boys'  house  the  same  size.  When 
these  two  houses  are  finished,  we  shall  pull  down  the  temporary 
ones,  as  they  are  very  dangerous  in  the  dry  season,  since  the 
least  spark  will  set  them  on  fire. 

'  Mrs.  Johnson  is  somewhat  better.  Last  Saturday  week,  she 
liad  a  severe  attack,  so  that  I  feared  it  would  have  ended  fatally  ; 
but  she  revived  soon  after,  and  has  ever  since  continued  better, 
and  I  hope  will  be  able,  by  the  time  Captain  Rowe  sails,  to 
endure  the  voyage. 

'It  is  still  the  wish  of  several  of  our  friends  that  I  should  go 
to  England,  especially  the  schoolmasters,  as  they  labour  under 
great  disappointments ;  their  ideas  were,  when  they  came  out, 
that  they  should  be  permitted  to  engage  in  public  services 
occasionally,  especially  out  of  Freetown,  which  is  prevented  as 
much  as  possible  by  Mr. -.  The  fact  is,  that  the  school- 
masters will  be  of  no  use,  if  they  are  prevented  from  exercising 
their  gifts.  Mr.  During  and  myself  were  not  prevented  when 
Mr.  Garnon  was  here,  and  I  cannot  conceive  why  men  who  (as 
I  am  told)  are  preparing  for  the  ministry,  should  not  have  the 
same  privilege,  and  whilst  they  see  men  running  down  to 
destruction,  not  stop  them  if  possible,  through  divine  assistance, 
in  their  mad  career. 

'  Mr.  Randle,  at  Cape  Shilling,  received  instruction  to  do 
nothing  of  the  kind  from  Mr.  — — .     A  few  days  since,  he  was 


148  MEMOIR    OF   JOHNSON. 

in  Freetown,  and  he  told  me  that  when  he  kept  school,  another 
European  (a  trader)  who  resides  close  by  his  house,  induced 
the  people  to  commit  all  manner  of  lewdness  ;  and  that  he  had 

told  Mr. ,  who  advised  him  by  no  means  to  interfere.     I 

was  struck  with  such  advice,  and  told  him  to  rebuke  such  mad- 
ness of  the  people,  with  boldness,  and  that  though  he  was  only 
a  schoolmaster,  it  was  his  duty,  as  a  Christian,  to  rescue  sin- 
ners from  everlasting  misery.  I  have  received  a  letter  from 
him  since,  in  which  he  says :  "  Blessed  be  God,  I  feel  some- 
what more  enabled  to  declare  the  truth  with  boldness  after  my 
conversation  with  you.  On  Sunday  evening,  I  addressed  the 
people  from  Ex.  xx.  8 — 11,  which  I  thought  the  more  proper, 

as  Mr.  K. 's  people  had  been  all  the  day  at  work,  many  of 

whom  were  present." 

'  I  might  fill  many  sheets  with  circumstances  like  the  above ; 
and  were  I  to  propose  before  the  next  quarterly  meeting,  that 
I  wished  to  go  to  England,  it  would  be  carried  by  a  major- 
ity, but  I  trust  I  have  left  it  entirely  in  the  hands  of  the  Lord. 
Is  it  his  will  that  I  should  go,  or  is  it  his  will  that  I  should 
stay  ?  May  his  will  be  done.  There  is  a  division  amongst  us 
and  this  will  be  the  case  as  long  as  there  are  ungodlj'  men 
amongst  us. 

'  Mrs.  Johnson  is  with  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Morgan  in  Freetown, 
where  she  is  treated  with  Christian  love  and  kindness.  I  sup- 
pose you  will  hear  from  Mr.  Morgan  by  this  vessel,  who  feels 
himself  much  disappointed,  and  who,  I  think,  will  be  a  useful 
man  if  his  tongue  is  not  kept  tied. 

'Brother  During,  I  trust,  is  becoming  useful  among  the 
people  ;  there  appears  fruit.  Of  other  places  I  cannot  say  any 
thing  favourable.     Mr. is  baptizing  ungodly  people. 

'  I  have  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Gates,  and  as  Mr. 

seems  now  against  the  steps  taken  to  send  forth  Mr.  Gates 
with  Tamba  and  Davis,  I  shall  insert  a  few  particulars  from  his 
letters,  which  will  remove  all  uneasiness  from  your  mind,  in 

case  anything  should  be  said  on  the  subject  by  Mr. .     Mr. 

Gates  wrote  on  the  2 2d  of  February  as  follows : — "  We  have 


PROPOSED    VISIT   TO    ENGLAND.  149 

met  with  some  opposition  in  our  work  from  the  disciples  of 
Mahomet — Avho  abound  in  the  places  we  have  passed — but  our 
God  enabled  me  to  stop  the  mouth  of  one  of  his  priests,  in  a 
public  argument  before  one  of  the  country  kings,  and  about 
thirty  or  forty  head-men.  Not  being  able  to  defend  what  he 
asserted,  he  was  at  last  obliged  to  pack  up  his  Koran,  and  run 
from  the  assembly,  which  occasioned  a  hearty  laugh  at  his 
expense.  Tamba  has  found  many  of  his  old  acquaintances, 
who,  when  they  heard  him  reason  of  righteousness,  temperance, 
and  judgment  to  come,  are  constrained  to  exclaim,  '  What  has 
God  wrought !'  Unto  the  Lord  I  would  commit  myself,  he  has 
already  frustrated  an  attempt  to  plunder  us,  and,  I  trust,  will 
protect  us  all  our  journey  through — should  it,  however,  be  His 
Avill  that  we  should  perish  in  His  service,  we  cannot  fall  under 
a  better  master.  I  now  feel  increasingly  the  want  of  the  prayers 
I  solicited  before  my  departure,  and  trust  they  will  not  cease  to 
be  offered  up  for  us." 

'  I  have  told  Mr. of  the  letter  I  received  from  you, 

concerning  rtative  teachers,  which  he  does  not  seem  to  notice. 
A  few  days  ago  he  wished  that  I  would  send  some  of  my  boys 
to  the  colonial  school,  to  be  prepared  for  schoolmasters.  To 
this  plan  I  objected — 1st,  because  we  have  a  school  here  on  the 
same  system,  and  are  able  to  teach  as  much  as  they  do  in 
Freetown.  2ndly,  They  would  be  deprived  of  Christian  com- 
munion, which  does  not  exist  in  Freetown ;  and  would  be 
exposed  to  all  vices,  and  would  not  be  comfortable  under  Mr. 

's  care.     And  3rdly,  They  are  more  useful  here  than 

they  would  be  in  Freetown,  having  the  privilege  here  of  con- 
versing with  their  fellow-communicants,  engaging  in  prayer  at 
the  boys'  and  girls'  prayer-meetings,  and  at  different  houses 
where  prayer  is  wont  to  be  made.  On  the  whole,  I  cannot 
consent  to  pressing  boys  to  become  teachers  or  schoolmasters. 
Let  them  go  on  and  learn  as  much  as  possible.  If  God  then 
is  pleased  to  send  them,  and  give  them  a  desire  to  become 
teachers,  then  let  us  send  them. 

'  Mr. also  seems  to  be  against  receiving  adults  as 


luO  MEMOIR    OF   JOllNSOX. 

teachers,  wliich  plan  I  shall  however  adopt  as  much  as  possi- 
ble ;  and  why  ?  because  adults  speak  their  native  tongues  far 
better  than  boys,  who  left  their  native  country  when  young, 
and  have  forgotten  their  countries  and  languages  altogether. 

'  Excuse  me  if  I  say  too  much  ;  I  assure  you  that  it  is  not 
my  intention  to  make  divisions,  but  if  possible  to  unite  all  in 
Christ  Jesus,  and  to  promote  the  blessed  gospel  of  our  God, 
amongst  the  poor,  perishing,  and  long-neglected  Africans. 

'  Mr.   is  also  against  sending  out  more  European 

schoolmasters.  /,  however,  am  constrained  to  say,  "  Send  as 
many  as  you  possibly  can  ;"  only  let  them  have  liberty,  and  let 
them  be  men  of  Christian  experience ;  and  as  natives  are  pre- 
paring and  desirous  to  make  known  to  their  country-people,  the 
riches  which  are  in  Christ  Jesus,  let  a  European  go  with  each 
two  or  three  of  them,  and  I  am  sure  that  Africa  will  soon 
blossom  as  the  rose. 

'  Should  it  please  God  that  I  should  accompany  Mrs.  John- 
son for  a  few  months  to  England,  I  hope  and  pray  we  may 
come  to  an  understanding, 

'  I  beg  once  more,  my  dear  Sirs,  that  you  will  excuse  my 
freedom,  and  pardon  my  infirmities.  The  above  is  not  intended 
to  be  official,  but  as  just  the  thoughts  of — 

'  Yours,  &c. 

'  W.  JOUNSON.' 

Report  of  Regent'' s  Town,  for  the  quarter  ending 
April  6,  1819. 

'  Our  God  and  Saviour  is  still  doing  great  things  at  Regent's 
Town.  The  number  of  communicants  and  candidates  has 
increased  to  226.  The  candidates  will  be  baptized  next  Sun- 
day, being  Easter;  and  at  the  same  time,  they  will,  if  it  pleases 
God,  attend  the  Loid's  Table.  I  trust  I  am  not  deceived,  when 
I  say  there  is  sufficient  evidence  to  prove  that  the}'^  are  not 
built  up  by  man's  strength,  but  by  the  grace  of  God. 

'The  boys'  school-house  was  burnt  down  a  icyf  weeks  since, 
but  has  been  rebuilt  by  the  boys,  and  I  hope  we  shall  be  able 


VISIT    OF    MK8.    JESTV    TO    REGENt's    TOWN.  151 

to  keep  school  again  next  week.  The  girls'  and  evening- 
schools  are  going  on  as  before.  Divine  service  is  also  attended 
with  great  eagerness  as  usual.  The  permanent  school-houses 
for  boys  and  girls  are  in  a  state  of  forwardness.  The  people 
here  are  clearing  more  ground  this  year  than  any  previous  one, 
which  is  a  favourable  prospect  for  the  prosperity  of  Regent's 
Town. 

'  May  Jesus  who  was,  is,  and  is  to  come,  have  all  the  praise 
and  glory,  is  the  prayer  of  his  unworthy  servant, 

'  W.  Johnson.' 

At  this  period,  when  the  first  stage  of  Mr.  Johnson's  mission 
was  about  closing,  a  remarkable  testimony  was  given  to  the 
deep  and  extensive  nature  of  the  work  he  had  been  the  instru- 
ment of  effecting.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Jesty  had  just  arrived  from 
England,  as  a  reinforcement  to  the  missionary  corps  at  Sierra 
Leone.  It  was  natural  that  they  should  soon  pay  a  visit  to  the 
most  favoured  spot  in  the  Colony.  And,  shortly  after,  Mrs. 
Jesty  writes  to  her  sister,  from  Regent's  Town,  under  date  of 
April  5,  1819  as  follows  : — 

'  The  power  of  the  gospel,  and  the  efficacy  of  the  love  of 
Christ,  have  excited  such  joy  within  me,  that  I  cannot  resist 
giving  you  some  information  respecting  it.  As  it  is  not  yet 
determined  where  my  husband  and  myself  shall  be  stationed, 
we  accepted  the  invitation  to  visit  some  of  our  friends,  before 
we  enter  on  our  important  work.  This  is  our  first  visit  at  Br. 
Johnson's.  I  wish  that  I  could  find  language  sufficiently  descrip- 
tive of  the  interesting  scenes  which  we  have  witnessed  here.  In  • 
deed  they  must  be  seen  before  the  facts  will  be  credited.  Had 
I  heard  the  circumstances  from  the  best  authority,  I  could  not 
have  conceived  it  possible  that  so  glorious  a  progress  could 
have  been  made  in  the  work  of  our  God,  as  we  have  beheld 
since  we  have  been  staying  at  Regent's  Town. 

'  On  Thursday,  the  1st  of  April,  Mr,  Johnson  sent  five  of  his 
people  to  Freetown,  to  take  me  to  his  house  in  a  palankeen. 


152  MEMOIK    OF   JOHNSON. 

While  Ibey  waited,  we  heard  singing;  and,  on  going  to  the 
door,  found  that  these  five  men  had  seated  themselves  under 
the  piazza,  and  with  united  voices  were  singing  a  hymn  to  the 
praise  and  glory  of  the  Redeemer.  We  did  not  disturb  them, 
but  returned  to  our  room ;  and,  as  you  may  imagine,  with  feel- 
ings of  peculiar  pleasure,  that  the  Songs  of  Zion  should  be  sung 
by  the  inhabitants  of  a  heathen  land. 

'  In  the  course  of  an  hour,  I  set  off  in  the  palankeen,  borne 
by  these  liberated  negroes.  When  we  got  to  the  top  of  Lei- 
cester Mountain,  over  which  we  had  to  pass  in  our  way  to 
Regent's  Town,  I  requested  my  bearers  to  stop  and  rest  them- 
selves ;  and  then  took  an  opportunity  of  introducing  religious 
conversation.  I  think  I  may  say,  that  the  few  minutes,  during 
which  we  rested  on  the  mountain,  were  the  happiest  that  I  had 
then  ever  experienced  ;  because  I  had  never  before  had  an 
opportunity  of  seeing  the  glorious  effects  wrought  by  the  gospel 
of  Jesus  on  the  hearts  of  our  dear  black  brethren.  I  was  much 
astonished  to  hear  one  of  the  men  (called  the  headman)  address 
the  other  four  in  language  truly  scriptural,  and  of  godly  sim- 
plicity ;  using  the  words  of  exhortation,  and  strongly  urging 
the  necessity  of  the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ  to  cleanse  thern  from 
their  sins.  He  spoke  much  of  their  depravity  by  nature,  and 
of  their  weakness  and  insufficiency  without  Christ — while  his 
little  audience  listened,  with  an  attentive  anxiety,  to  hear  the 
truths  of  the  gospel  from  one  of  their  countrymen,  I  was  much 
affected  at  what  he  said  ;  and  was  ready  to  exclaim,  "  Oh,  how 
powerful  is  the  word  of  God  !"  ' 

Tlie  power  of  Divine  grace,  in  humanizing  and  elevating  the 
mind,  liad  indeed  been  eminently  displayed  in  these  Christian 
men  :  for  Mr.  Johnson  stated,  that  most  of  this  very  party,  who 
were  of  the  wild  Eboe  nation,  had,  about  two  years  before,  in 
carrying  Mrs.  Johnson  to  Freetown,  set  down  the  palankeen  in 
the  woods,  in  spite  of  all  her  remonstrances,  while  they  settled 
their  quarrels  by  a  fierce  battle. 

Of  thei*  entrance  into  Regent's  Town,  Mr.  Jesty  says — 


VISIT    OF    MRS.    JESTY    TO    REGENt's    TOWN.  153 

'  Just  as  we  liad  reached  the  summit  of  the  last  mountain 
between  Freetown  and  Regent's  Town,  the  latter  place  present- 
ed itself  to  our  view.  As  I  walked  down  the  mountain,  pleased 
Avith  the  enchanting  scene,  I  was  in  an  instant  lost  in  "wonder, 
love,  and  praise."  Music  of  the  sweetest  kind,  and  possessing 
charms  which  I  had  never  before  experienced,  burst  upon  my 
ears.  It  was  moonlight;  and  all  the  houses  being  lighted  up, 
I  inquired  of  Brother  Johnson  from  whence  this  sound  pro- 
ceeded. He  jiointed  to  the  Church,  which  is  situated  at  the 
side  of  a  mountain,  then  opposite  to  us,  on  the  other  side  of 
a  brook  that  runs  from  the  mountains  betw^een  the  Church  and 
the  principal  part  of  the  town,  over  which  Br.  Johnson  has 
caused  his  people  to  erect  a  strong,  handsome,  stone  bridge. 
The  Church  is  a  fine  stone  building.  It  was  now  lighted  up, 
and  the  people  were  assembled  in  it,  for  evening  prayer.  The 
chain  of  mountains  that  surrounds  the  town,  resounded  with 
the  eclio  of  the  praises  of  the  Saviour. 

'  I  hastened,  with  all  possible  speed,  down  the  mountain  and 
up  the  other,  to  enter  the  Church,  where  I  found  upward  of 
500  black  faces  prostrate  at  the  throne  of  grace.  I  entered 
with  Br.  Johnson  ;  and,  soon  after,  Mrs.  Jesty  arrived.  After 
the  service  was  over,  above  200  of  the  congregation  surround- 
ed us.  They  came  in  such  crowds  to  shake  hands  with  us, 
that  we  were  obliged  to  give  both  hands  at  once.  So  rejoiced 
were  they  to  see  more  labourers  from  "  white-man's  country," 
that,  after  we  left  the  Church,  and  had  entered  Mr.  Johnson's 
house,  many,  who  from  the  pressure  in  the  Church  were  not 
able  to  speak  to  and  shake  hands  with  us,  entered  the  parlour, 
and  would  not  leave  until  they  had  manifested  their  love  to  us 
by  their  affectionate  looks  and  humble  salutations.' 

Of  a  Sunday  spent  at  Regent's  Town,  Mr.  Jesty,  after  speak- 
ing of  an  early  meeting  in  the  Church,  at  six  o'clock  in  the 
morning,  thus  writes  : — 

'  At  ten  o'clock,  I  saw  a  sight  which  at  once  astonished  and 
delighted  me.     The  bell  at  the  Church  rung  for  Divine  service  ; 

'-y  ''a 


154  MEMOIR    OK   JOIINSOX. 

on  uliicli  Mr.  Jolinson's  well-regulated  schools  of  bo3s  and 
girls  walked,  two  and  two,  to  the  church — the  girls  extremely 
clean,  and  dressed  entirely  in  white  ;  in  striking  contrast  with 
which  wore  their  black  arms  and  laces — the  boys,  equally 
clean,  were  dressed  in  white  trowsers  and  scarlet  jackets.  The 
clothing  of  both  boys  and  girls  is  supplied  by  government. 

'The  eagerness  of  the  inhabitants  to  hear  the  word  will  ap- 
pear from  their  early  atten<lanco  on  the  means  of  grace.  It  is 
true,  there  is  a  bell  in  the  steeple  of  the  church  ;  but  it  is  of 
little  use  at  Regent's  Town  ;  for  the  chui'ch  is  generally  filled 
half  an  hour  before  the  bell  tolls.  The  greatest  attention  is  paid 
during  the  service.  Indeed,  I  witnessed  a  Christian  congrega- 
tion in  a  heathen  land — a  people  fearing  God  and  working 
righteousness.  The  tear  of  godly  sorrow  rolled  down  many  a 
coloured  cheek,  and  shewed  the  contrition  of  a  heart  that  felt 
its  own  vileuess. 

'  At  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  there  was  again  a  very 
full  attendance  :  so  that  scarce  an  individual  was  to  be  seen 
throughout  the  town ;  so  eager  are  they  to  hear  the  Avord,  and 
to  fe^d  on  that  living  bread  that  came  down  from  Heaven. 
The  service  was  over  about  half-past  four  o'clock. 

'At  six,  we  met  again;  and  although  many  liad  to  come 
from  a  considerable  distance,  and  up  a  tremendous  hill,  I  did 
not  perceive  any  decrease  of  number,  or  any  weariness  in  their 
frequent  attendance  on  the  means  of  grace. 

'  We  left  the  Church  about  eight  o'clock,  and  returned  to  Mr. 
Johnson's  house,  which  is  close  by  the  Church.  While  at  supper, 
I  heard  singing;  and  on  walking  into  the  piazza, found  that  about 
twenty  of  the  school-girls  were  assembled  under  it.  One  of  the 
elder  girls  gave  out  the  hymn,  in  an  impressive  manner,  while 
a  younger  girl  held  a  lamp.  After  we  had  supped,  the  girls, 
in  a  very  respectful  and  humble  way.  sent  up  to  Mr.  Johnson  to 
know  if  he  would  allow  them  to  come  up  stairs  into  his  sitting- 
room,  to  sing  a  parting  hymn.  On  their  entering  the  room, 
Mr.  Johnson  gave  out  a  hymn  ;  and,  in  a  few  minutes,  I  think 
we  had  at  least  120  boys  and  girls  in   the  room   and  piazza. 


« 


VISIT    OF    MRS.    JESTY    TO    KEGENt's    TOWN.  155 

They  sang  three  hymns  ;  and  after  a  few  suitable  words  from 
Mr.  Johnson,  they  departed,  pleased  with  the  favor  granted 
them. 

'Thus  was  the  last  Sabbath  spent  in  Eegent's  Town.  Never 
did  I  puss  such  a  day  in  my  dear  native  country.  Never 
did  I  witness  such  a  congregation  in  a  professing  Christian 
land ;  nor  ever  beheld  such  apparent  sincerity  and  brotherly 
love.' 

Of  the  monthly  meeting,  held  on  the  following  evening,  Mr. 
Jesty  thus  writes  : — 

'  Mr.  Johnson  and  myself  entered  the  names  of  subscribers, 
and  received  their  mites  :  and  I  cannot  but  notice,  that,  in  one 
minute  after  Mr.  Johnson  and  myself  were  ready  to  receive  the 
money  and  names,  we  were  surrounded  by  several  hundreds  of 
humble  friends  to  missionary  exertions,  crying,  as  it  were  with 
one  voice,  "  Massa,  take  my  money  " — "  Massa,  Massa,  take 
mine" — "Eight  coppers  one  moon."  It  was  indeed  a  pleasing 
sight,  to  behold  a  people — once  led  captive  at  the  will  of  Satan, 
devoted  to  gross  superstition  and  folly,  embracing  their  gre- 
grees  and  trusting  in  them  for  defence,  and  once  expending  all 
the  money  that  they  could  spare  in  the  purchase  of  these  false 
gods — now  conquered  by  the  love  and  power  of  Him  that 
taketh  away  the  sin  of  the  world ;  and  with  cheerful  and  re- 
newed hearts  giving  of  their  little  substance  to  aid  those  means, 
which,  by  the  blessing  of  God,  will  communicate  the  privileges 
of  the  gospel  to  their  countrymen  also. 

'  From  these  few  poor,  and  once  injured  and  despised  Afri- 
cans, we  collected,  that  evening,  about  £2  7s.  Oh  my  coun- 
trymen, fellow-Christians,  in  highlj^-favored  England,  you  who 
have  multiplied  and  daily-renewed  comforts  and  blessings,  6^0, 
and  do  likewise  /' 

Of  the  manner  of  closing  this  day,  Mr.  Jesty  says — 

'After  we  left  the  Church,  the  children  of  the  two  schools 

retired  to  their  school-houses,  and  the  rest  of  the  congregation 

to  their  respective  homes. 


"^^ 


156  MEMOIR    OF   JOHNSON. 

'  But  that  love,  which  cometh  from  above  and  worketh  by- 
love,  has  taken  such  possession  of  the  hearts  of  this  people,  that 
they  delight  to  be  continually  S]}eaking  one  to  anoOter  in  Psalms, 
and  hi/mns,  and  spiritual  songs  ;  and  to  sing  with  grace  in 
their  hearts  to  the  Lord. 

'The  school-houses  are  situated  behind  Mr.  Johnson's,  on  a 
higher  part  of  the  hill.  The  school-girls  assembled  in  a  row 
before  their  school-house,  with  three  or  four  lamps  dispersed 
through  the  line.  Their  eldest  teacher  gave  out  the  hymn,  and 
they  were  singing  delightfully. 

"  How  beauteous  are  their  feet 
Who  stand  on  Zion's  hill !" 

While  the  girls  were  singing  this  hymn,  the  boys  had  climbed 
a  little  higher  up  the  hill ;  when  one  of  their  teachers  gave  out 
the  hymn — 

"  Come  ye  sinners,  poor  and  wretched  !" 

'  It  was  a  beautiful  moonlight  night,  so  that  the  children 
could  be  seen  from  all  parts  of  the  town  ;  while  the  lofty  mount- 
ains resounded  with  the  echo  of  their  voices.  I  was  walking 
up  and  down  in  the  piazza,  listening  to  them,  and  anticipating 
the  time  when  all  kings  shall  fall  down  before  the  Redeemer 
and  all  nations  shall  serve  him,  when  I  saw,  at  the  foot  of  the 
hill,  some  men  and  women  coming  toward  the  children.  The 
men  joined  the  boys,  and  the  women  joined  the  girls. 

'  The  boys  and  girls  had  now  sung  several  hymns  ;  and,  after 
a  few  minutes'  cessation,  began  again.  I  was  thinking  of  our 
Christian  friends  in  England  ;  and  said  to  Mr.  Johnson,  "  Could 
all  the  friends  of  missionary  exertions  but  witness  this  scene, 
they  would  be  more  and  more  zealous  for  the  universal  diffu- 
sion of  the  gospel  of  a  crucified  Saviour  ;"  when  I  looked  around 
me  and  saw  numbers  of  the  inhabitants,  men  and  women,  com- 
ing in  every  direction.  They  joined  respectively  the  boys  and 
girls,  and  sung  for  some  time  ;   when  the  boys  and  girls  retired 


« 


VISIT    OF    MllS.    JESTY    TO    REGENt's    TOWN.  157 

to  their  school-houses,  and  the  men  and  women  retired  to  their 
homes  in  peace. 

■  *  This  is  a  great  work,  and  it  is  marvellous  in  our  eyes.  But 
it  is  the  Lord ;  and  to  him  be  all  the  glory  !' 

Mr.  Jesty  adds — 

'  We  rose,  next  morning,  between  five  and  six  o'clock,  and 
attended  morning  prayer  at  the  church.  After  the  service  was 
over,  a  few  more  came  fol'ward,  and  begged  us  to  take  their 
coppers,  to  aid  the  cause  of  missions.  We  collected,  on  this 
occasion,  upward  of  fifteen  shillings  ;  which,  with  the  collection 
made  the  evening  before,  amounted  to  more  than  three  pounds. 
Mr.  Johnson  has  a  missionary  meeting  and  sermon  once  a 
month,  on  which  occasions  he  generally  collects  three  pounds. 
Do  not  these  poor  people  hold  forth  a  bright  example  to  all 
Christians ! 

'  I  have  now  given  you  a  faithful  and  imperfect  picture  of 
the  state  of  Regent's  Town.  The  Lord  has  certainly  blessed, 
in  a  peculiar  manner,  the  labors  of  Mr.  Johnson.  The  people 
love  him  as  their  Father ;  and  reverence  him  as  their  spiritual 
guide.  Should  a  dispute  arise  among  any  of  them,  they  come 
to  him  to  settle  their  palaver,  and  they  abide  by  his  decision. 
He  seems,  in  every  respect,  suited  for  these  people — unwearied 
in  his  exertions,  and  an  excellent  example  to  all  his  brethren. 

Mrs.  Jesty  thus  concludes  her  letter  to  her  sister — 
'  The  love  vihicli  these  pe<'»ple  manifest  among  themselves, 
and  towards  their  minister,  and  all  faithful  missionaries;  their 
anxiety  and  the  fervency  of  their  prayers  that  the  gospel  may 
be  made  known  through  all  nations — these  things  are  worthy 
the  admiration  of  all  Christians.  It  may  almost  be  said  of  the 
inhabitants  of  Regent's  Town,  that  they  dwell  in  love ;  and 
that  they  live  a  life  of  prayer  and  praise  to  Him,  wlio  loved 
ihem,  and  r/ave  hiiniel/fo)-  them  ;  for,  beside  their  meetings  for 
prayer  every  morning  and  evening,  the  hearts  of  many  of  them 
seem  to  be  full  uf  tlie  love  of  Chiist  the  whole  day  ;  and  when 

7 


158  MEMOIR    OF   JOHNSOJr, 

they  are  merry,  they  sing  Psalms :  such  vocal  music  resounds 
from  all  parts  of  the  town.  A  dispute  is  seldom  known  among 
them.  They  have  every  one  of  them  cast  off  his  greegree,  and 
nearly  all  of  them  are  become  worshippers  of  the  blessed  Jesus. 
A  few  years  since,  none  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  place  had 
ever  heard  the  name  of  Jesus  :  they  went  about  naked  ;  and 
were,  in  every  respect,  like  the  savage  tribes — but  now,  O  what 
a  happy  change  1  they  are  all  decently  dressed  ;  and  it  is  the 
most  heart-cheering  sight,  to  see  them  flock  together  in  crowds 
to  the  house  of  prayer. 

'  Mr.  Johnson  has  been  made  an  instrument  of  incalculable 
good  to  this  people.  Under  his  ministry,  116  persons  have 
become  communicants,  and'llO  are  candidates  for  baptism  and 
the  Lord's  Supper :  these  will  be  received  as  members  of  the 
Church  of  Christ  on  Easter  Sunday.  He'  is  very  particular  in 
his  examination  of  the  people,  before  they  are  admitted  to  the 
Lord's  Table. 

*  It  may,  indeed,  be  said,  that  numbers  are  added  to  the 
church  daily  ;  for  Mr.  Johnson  has  frequently  five  or  six  in  u 
day  coming  to  his  house,  to  talk  of  the  state  of  their  souls,  who 
appear  to  be  very  sincere.  During  the  few  days  that  we  have 
been  here,  upw-ard  of  fifty  persons  have  been  to  tell  Mr.  John- 
son of  their  troubles,  which  they  confess  in  affecting  terms  : — 
"My  bad  heart  trouble  me  — me  no  sleep  all  night — me  no 
peace — me  know  me  very  wicked :  but  God  good  too  much — 
me  tank  God  for  what  he  done  for  my  soul ;  me  want  love  Jesus  . 
more — me  want  to  go  to  Jesus — me  know  nothing  else  but  de 
blood  of  Jesus  can  w^ash  away  my  sin."  Such  complaints  as 
those  from  these  lost  sheep  of  iBrael,  are  incessantly  brought 
before  their  worthy  pastor ;  who,  with  affection,  directs  them 
to  the  Great  Comforter,  and  advises  them  to  embrace  that  gos- 
pel which  is  the  power  of  God  unto  salvation. 

'  O  my  dear  sister,  is  not  this  encouraging  to  all  Christian 
friends  in  England,  to  be  doubly  zealous  and  active  in  their 
missionary  exertions !  Let  me  entreat  you  all  to  be  unwearied 
in  your  efforts  and  prayers,  that  all  Africa  may  become  as 


PROPOSED   VISIT   TO    ENGLAND,  159 

Regent's  Town.  This  is  the  fruit  of  the  gospel !  O  send  forth 
the  gospel,  and  more  faithful  labourers  into  the  vineyard  of  the 
Lord  !  Let  me  again  beg  of  you,  my  dear  sister,  to  fray,  and 
not  to  faint.  Let  the  interests  of  Christ's  kingdom  be  ever 
uppermost  in  your  heart.  Here  is  yet  a  wide  field  for  labour. 
May  the  happy  effect  of  the  gospel  be  felt  by  all  benighted 
Africa,  and  to  God  shall  the  glory  be  given  for  ever !' 

The  following  extract  from  Mr,  Johnson's  journal  will  appro- 
priately complete  this  picture  : — 

^  April  11,  1819.  Easter  Sunday.  The  church  was  full  at 
nine  o'clock,  I  married  two  couple,  baj^tized  110  adults,  and 
six  infants,  and  administered  the  Lord's  Supper  to  253  black 
brethren  and  sisters,  and  four  white  ;  myself  making  258.  This 
was,  indeed,  as  a  day  of  Pentecost  in  Africa  ! 

'  The  Christian  Church  at  Regent's  Town  now  numbers  263 
communicants. 

''April  12.  Mr,  Cates  arrived  with  Davis  and  Tamba  from 
his  journey.  They  have  travelled  900  miles  in  ten  weeks,  and 
blessed  be  God,  not  without  success.  I  intend  to  take  leave, 
next  Sunday,  of  my  dear  flock  for  a  few  months.  Messrs. 
Cates  and  Morgan  will  take  care  of  them  while  I  am  away,  and 
oh,  may  they  be  under  the  protection  of  Him,  who  only  is  able 
to  keep  them. 

'  I  have  had  a  meeting  with  the  twelve  senior  communicants, 
concerning  my  leaving  them  for  a  few  months,  as  I  wish  to  see 
everything  agreeable,  and  all  confessed  that  they  thought  it 
God's  will.  They  had  made  it  a  matter  of  prayer,  and  believed 
that  God  would  do  great  things  among  this  poor  country 
people.  They  solicited  that  the  society  would  send  out  more 
labourers  to  send  the  gospel  to  different  countries. 

'  It  appears  now  that  the  Lord  is  opening  the  way  for  me  to 
pay  a  visit  to  England  for  a  short  time ;  more  labourers,  have 
arrived  ;  and  it  appears  that  I  should  return,  not  only  for  Mrs. 
Johnson's  sake,  but  for  the  good  of  the  cause  at  large.     More 


160  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

are  for  my  going,  than  those  against  it.  Oh  that  my  God  would 
guide  me  aright !  May  my  journey  turn  out  for  the  further- 
ance of  the  gospel,  that  poor  benighted  Africa  may  benefit  by 
it; — my  doubts  and  fears  are  still  many,  sometimes  I  think  I 
dare  not  go  and  leave  my  flock ;  but  what  did  I  ask  for  some 
time  since — have  not  my  prayers  been  answered  ?  has  not  Mr. 
Morgan  been  appointed  to  stay  here  while  I  go  to  England  for 
a  few  months  ?  The  way  appears  to  be  clear ;  still,  oh  Lord 
Jesus,  if  it  is  not  thy  will,  prevent  thou  my  going.  I  would  say 
again,  as  I  have  said  before,  "Thy  will  be  dune." 

The  decision  had  now  been  taken,  the  Governor  had  granted 
Mr.  Johnson  leave  of  absence,  and  the  missionaries  and  liis 
negroes  agreeing  that  it  was  his  duty  to  visit  England,  he  em- 
barked on  board  the  Echo,  as  has  been  before  stated,  on  the 
22nd  April ;  having  preached  his  farewell  Sermon  at  Regent's 
Town,  on  Sunday  the  18th,  from  2  Cor.  xiii.  11. 

The  separation  from  his  negroes  was  very  j^ainful  on  both 
bides.  Hundreds,  of  both  sexes  and  of  various  ages,  accom- 
panied him  to  Freetown,  a  distance  of  five  miles  of  difiicult 
road,  and  took  leave  of  him  on  the  shore  with  many  tears  : 
regretting,  in  their  ardent  affection  for  their  faithful  shepherd, 
who  had  been  made  the  means  of  collecting  them  out  of  the 
wilderness  and  bringing  them  into  the  fold  of  Christ,  that  they 
could  not  be  the  companions  of  his  voyage;  and  dismissing 
him  from  their  shores  with  their  warm  benedictions,  and  a 
simple  but  striking  expression  of  their  love — "  Massa,  suppose 
no  water  live  here,"  jiointing  to  the  sea,  "  we  go  with  you  all 
the  way,  till  no  feet  more  !" 

^  Aj)ril  2G.  Onboard  the '■'•  Echo.^''  How  many  liave  been 
my  troubles,  yet  the  Lord  has  upheld  me,  and  has  done  all 
things  well.  At  a  meeting  held  at  Freetown,  it  was  resolved 
that  I  should  accompany  Mrs.  Johnson  home,  and  state  at  the 
same  time  the  proceedings  of  the  Missionaries  in  Africa  to  the 
Committee.     I  must  confess  that  I  would  rather  have  remained 


EMBARKATION  FOU  ENGLAND,  161 

with  my  people ;  and  had  I  not  made  it  a  matter  of  prayer, 
and  seen  every  obstacle  removed,  I  should  have  declined  going, 
but  I  am  now  fully  persuaded  that  it  is  the  will  of  my  God  for 
me  to  visit  England.     Oh  that  I  may  but  be  faithful. 

'  I  embarked  with  my  dear  wife,  who  is  still  very  ill,  on  the 
22nd,  and  we  sailed  on  the  23rd.  The  separation  with  my 
dear  people  was,  indeed,  very  painful.  Hundreds  followed  me 
to  Freetown  ;  many  weeping  as  they  went.  Oh  that  their  God 
may  supply  all  their  wants  during  my  absence. 

'  On  Sunday,  the  18th,  I  took  leave  of  them,  and  preached 
on  the  words,  "  Finally,  brethren,  farewell."  How  I  felt  I  can- 
not describe  with  this  pen.  I  could  have  said  every  moment, 
"  I  will  not  go  ; "  but  the  way  opening  so  very  clear  before  me 
made  me  go  on  with  confidence. 

'  On  Saturday  evening,  the  24th,  I  officiated  the  first  time  on 
board.  Captain  Rowe  afterwards  said  that  two  passengers 
found  fault  with  my  proceedings.  They  said  that  I  was  too 
pointed,  I  had  meant  them.  I  certainly  do  not  know  how  to 
proceed ;  but  may  my  blessed  Jesus  cause  me  to  be  faithful. 
I  spoke  last  night  on  the  leadings  of  the  "Spirit,  and  told  them 
that  I  wished  to  give  no  ofience,  but  to  declare  the  truth  of 
God  as  it  is  in  Jesus. 

'  We  have  scarcely  any  wind  at  present.  May  the  God  of 
providence  speed  our  passage. 

'  My  dear  wife  feels  the  eflfect  of  the  change  already.  She  is 
considerably  better. 

'  May  5.  The  wind  is  still  contrary,  and  we  are  making  but 
slow  progress,  but  all  must  be  well. 

'  Last  Wednesday,  I  spoke  on  the  divinity  of  Jesus,  as  it  is 
much  disputed  among  some  of  the  passengers.  However,  after 
service,  I  heard  -one  who  is  an  infidel,  say  "  That  foreign  brute 
made  Jesus  equal  with  God  to-day."  Another  passenger  came 
to  me  to-day  very  politely,  and  begged  me  not  to  be  so  pointed. 
He  thought  that  I  did  not  exactly  mean  to  offend  the  passen- 
gers, but  that  I  was  rather  too  severe.  There  was  much  in  my 
discourse  which  might  be  applied  to  them.     I  told  him  that 


162  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSOX. 

as  he  was  so  open,  and  stated  his  feelings,  I  hoped  he  would 
be  kind  enough  to  hear  what  I  had  learned  to  observe,  viz. 
"  that  God  should  be  obeyed  rather  than  man  : "  it  was  my  duty 
to  declare  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus,  and  I  could  not  diverge. 
He  went  away  very  silent,  and  has  since  behaved  very  kindly 
to  me.  Oh  that  my  God  would  preserve  me  amongst  these 
troubles.  May  I  not  fear  what  man  can  do  unto  me.  But 
Christ  is  all. 

*  May  21.  It  is  now  four  weeks  since  we  sailed  from  Sierra 
Leone,  and  we  have  only  got  a  very  short  way  on  our  passage. 
We  have  been  becalmed  most  of  the  time,  and  in  consequence 
are  now  on  an  allowance  of  water.  Oh  that  our  God  would 
hear  us,  and  give  us  a  fair  wind  ;  but  His  will  be  done. 

'  I  have  and  do  experience  much  darkness  and  coldness  of 
mind :  although  I  am  not  deprived  of  Christian  conversation, 
yet  I  do  not  feel  at  home.  My  experience  perhaps  is  not  the 
same  as  others,  or  I  may  imagine  so,  but  let  it  be  either  way, 
there  is  a  something.  Oh  my  Lord  and  Saviour,  help  me  to 
overcome  ;  may  thy  grace  be  sufficient  for  me — keep  me  hum- 
ble, and  may  thy  Spirit  teach  me.  May  I  always  adore  thy 
saving  grace.  May  I  not  be  ashamed  to  confess  thee  before  all 
men  as  my  all  in  all.     Amen. 

'May  31.  N.  L.  29.  W.  L.  35.  Yesterday,  being  Whit- 
Sunday,  I  spoke  in  the  morning  on  Acts  xix.  2.  Nearly  all 
attended  worship.  I  believe  that  I  have  stopped  the  mouths  of 
the  passengers.  They  have  of  late  been  very  kind  to  me.  I 
showed  first  that  the  Holy  Ghost  is  God.  Secondly,  that  it  is 
essential  to  salvation  to  receive  the  Holy  Ghost. 

'June  23.  About  200  miles  from  the  Land's  End.  The 
wind  is  now  fair  for  the  British  Channel.  Our  passage  has 
been  long  and  trying ;  it  is  two  months  to-day  since  we  left 
Sierra  Leone,  and  we  have  seen  no  land  since.  Our  water,  and 
many  other  things,  have  become  very  short ;  but  blessed  be 
God,  we  have  experienced  no  deprivation,  although  we  have 
had  only  two  quarts  of  water  per  day.     Our  God  has  supplied 


HIS    ARRIVAL    IN    ENGLAND.  163 

all  our  wants,  both  temporal  and  spiritual.  Mrs.  Johnson  is 
almost  restored  to  health,  though  her  mouth  is  still  very  sore, 
which  is  the  effect  of  the  calomel  which  the  doctors  adminis- 
tered to  her  when  in  Freetown. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

Mr.  Johnson's  arrival  in  England — His  visit  to  Hanover — His  occupa- 
tion while  in  England — And  his  return  to  Africa — Letters  from 
converted  negroes  at  Regent's  Town. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Jolinson  landed  at  Portsmouth  on  the  28th  of 
June.  We  perceive  immediate  evidence  of  that  earnest  zeal 
■which  at  all  times  characterized  his  course,  for  Ave  find  him  on 
the  following  Monday,  July  5,  accompanying  Mr.  Biekersteth 
to  a  Meeting  of  the  Clerkenwell  Church  Missionary  Association, 
where  he  addressed  the  meeting  with  peculiar  effect. 

But  although  Mr.  Johnson  had,  in  a  more  especial  manner 
than  most  persons,  "  given  himself  to  the  Lord,"  he  had  not 
forgotten  the  ties  of  natural  affection.  Many  years  had  elapsed 
since  he  left  Germany  ;  and  in  the  interval  the  most  important 
of  all  changes  had  taken  place  in  his  inmost  soul  and  spirit. 
He  had  not  "hidden  the  truth  within  his  heart," — his  corres- 
pondence had  revealed  to  his  relatives  in  Hanover  his  enlarged 
views  of  Divine  truth,  and  his  convictions  of  its  importance. 
But  there  had  been  no  personal  communication  during  all  these 
years  ;  and  it  was  natural  that  on  returning  to  Europe  one  of 
his  first  wishes  should  be,  to  revisit  Germany,  and  to  speak  by 
word  of  mouth  to  his  mother  and  his  other  relatives  there,  on 
those  things  which  now  filled  his  own  soul  with  peace.  After 
passing  a  few  days,  therefore,  in  London,  in  communication 
with  the  Committee  and  Secretaries  of  the  Church  Missionary 
Society,  we  next  hear  of  Mr.  Johnson  while  on  a  rapid  visit  to 
Hanover.  Immediately  on  landing,  he  writes  thus  to  a  friend 
in  England  : — 

'Cnxhaven,  July  20,  1819. 
*  My  dear  Friend, 

'  By  this  you  will  see  that  I  am  safe  on  my  native  shore,  and 
have  experienced,  through  the  mercy  of  God,  a  very  pleasant 
and  speedy  passage. 


VISIT   TO    IIAKOVER.  165 

'  I  intend  to  go  immediately  to  Bremen,  and  from  thence  to 
Hanover,  where  I  expect  to  be  to-morrow  night.  I  could  wish 
that  my  dear  wife  was  with  me  now  ;  I  think  she  would  be 
highly  delighted  with  the  appearance  of  this  country,  and  par- 
take of  my  joy  in  seeing  once  more  my  dear  relations,  which  I 
hope  will  be  to-morrow  night. 

'  Continue  to  pray  for  me  that  the  Lord  may  keep  and  pre- 
serve me.  I  pray  that  the  Lord  may  be  with  you  to-night. 
Remember  me  to  my  dear  wife.     I  remain,  &c., 

'W.  Johnson.' 

'Hanover,  July  25,  1819. 
*  My  dear  Friend, 

'  I  wrote  to  you  on  Tuesday  last,  when  I  arrived  at  Cuxha- 
ven,  and  now  again  I  should  write  to  give  you  particulars  of 
my  arrival  in  the  place  of  my  former  residence.  I  went  to  an 
inn  in  the  place  where  my  mother  lives,  and  sent  for  her. 
When  it  was  told  her  that  I  was  her  son,  you  cannot  conceive 
the  agitation  of  mind  she  was  in  ;  she  would  not  believe  that 
it  was  me ;  tears  of  joy  and  fear  ran  down  her  cheeks,  and  I 
was  at  last  obliged  to  show  her  two  marks  which  I  had  upon 
my  body,  before  she  could  believe  that  I  was  her  son ;  likewise 
my  sister,  who  took  the  greatest  care  not  to  be  deceived. 

'  One  of  my  sisters,  who  is  about  twenty-two,  has  been  im- 
pressed with  good  things  through  one  of  my  letters  ;  and  the 
affection  which  she  has  towards  me  is  beyond  description.  She 
has  not  left  me ;  when  I  lay  in  bed  she  will  sit  before  me  on  a 
chair,  and  thus  has  scarcely  slept  since  my  arrival.  Her 
language  is  that  of  Ruth  (Ruth  i.  16,  17,)  and  thus  she  is  pre- 
paring to  accompany  me  wherever  I  go,  and  my  opposition  is 
of  no  use.  She  leaves  her  place  to-day,  for  that  purpose ; 
and  I  have  not  the  least  doubt  but  you  will  see  her-  with  me 
in  England.  I  am  afraid  it  will  not  be  liked  at  the  Missionary 
House;  but  I  actually  cannot  help  it.  I  think  she  would 
make  an  excellent  missionary's  wife ;  but  she  will  not  marry 
unless  she  can  stay  where  I  stay.     I  must  leave  it  to  the  Lord : 


166  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

may  His  holy  will  be  done !  Let  my  dear  wife  know  that  my 
sister  is  coming  with  me,  and  should  Mrs.  Johnson  be  in  the 
country,  let  her  kno^  that  I  shall  fully  expect  to  meet  her 
about  the  18th  of  August  in  London.  Religion  is  here  at  the 
lowest  ebb ;  you  cannot  conceive  how  the  Lord's  day  is  spent 
here  :  I  have  not  found  one  that  is  truly  pious  here ;  the  gos- 
pel is  not  preached,  it  is  only,  "  Lord,  Lord  !"  Oh  what  I  feel 
you  cannot  think,  and  this  induces  me  to  take  my  sister  with 
me ;  she  has  no  one  Avith  whom  she  can  converse  about  the 
state  of  her  soul.  My  poor  mother  and  sister,  I  am  afraid,  are 
still  in  darkness.  Oh  !  that  the  Holy  Ghost  would  open  their 
eyes.  I  long  to  be  with  you  again.  I  feel  much  backward- 
ness and  coldness  in  devotion  ;  I  scarcely  know  what  I  am 
about,  and  my  mouth  seems  to  be  shut.  I  cannot  speak  of 
Jesus  and  his  fulness  except  to  my  dear,  dear  sister. 

'  Farewell,  my  dear  friend  ;  remember  me  before  the  throne 
of  God.     My  heart  is  shut  up — I  cannot  pray.     Oh,  that  the 
light  of  his  countenance  may  soon,  oh,  very  soon  shine  upon 
me,  a  miserable  wretch.     Remember  me  to  my  dear  wife. 
'  Yours,  &c., 

'  W.  Johnson.' 

Of  the  actual  results  of  Mr.  Johnson's  visit  to  his  relatives, 
we  can  only  judge  from  a  passage  in  the  Twentieth  Report, 
where  Mr.  Pratt  says  :  "  His  visit  seems  to  have  been  attended 
with  a  peculiar  blessing  to  some  of  his  nearest  kindred,  who 
bad  not  been  previously  moved  by  his  correspondence."  And 
when  we  remark  the  power  of  his  addresses  at  other  times, 
and  remember  the  deep  interest  he  must  have  taken  in  the 
persons  for  whose  sakes  he  visited  Germany,  we  can  easily 
imagine  the  truth  of  this  statement. 

Soon,  however,  we  again  hear  of  Mr.  Johnson  in  England. 
His  sister  accompanied  him,  and,  after  due  examination,  was 
received  by  the  Committee  as  a  schoolmistress  for  West  Africa. 
On  the  3rd  of  September,  we  find  Mr.  Johnson  attending  a 
meeting  of  the  Berkshire  Church  Missionary  Association  at 


PUBLIC    MEETINGS.  167 

Reading,  of  which  Mr.  Pratt,  in  the  Missionary  Register,  gives 
the  following  account : — 

'  Mr.  Johnson's  narrative  of  his  proceedings  and  success  at 
Regent's  Town  greatly  interested  the  meeting.  Having  read 
letters  lately  received  by  him  from  W.  Tamba,  W.  Davis,  Peter 
Hughes,  and  David  Noah,  native  communicants  in  his  church, 
a  gentleman,  who  was  in  the  hall,  was  so  struck  with  them  as 
connected  with  Mr.  Johnson's  statement  of  the  short  time 
during  which  they  had  been  under  instruction,  that  he  re- 
quested to  know  whether  the  letters  were  originals  or  copies  ; 
having  examined  them  himself,  he  declared  his  entire  convic- 
tion that  they  were  evidence  of  a  rapidity  and  degree  of 
improvement  and  religious  knowledge  quite  unequalled ;  and 
stated,  that  they  presented  the  utility  of  the  institution  in  such 
a  light,  that  although  he  was  already  a  member  of  the  Society 
for  Promoting  Christian  Knowledge,  and  of  the  Society  for  the 
Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts,  he  could  not  re- 
fuse his  support.  On  the  suggestion  of  this  gentleman,  a 
resolution  was  passed,  requesting  the  Committee  of  the  Parent 
Society  to  publish  the  said  letters,  in  such  manner  as  may 
seem  most  conducive  to  its  interests.' 

After  this,  we  find  Mr.  Johnson  attending  meetings  at  Saff- 
ron "Walden,  on  the  22nd  of  September;  shortly  after,  at 
several  towns  in  Suffolk  : — on  the  13th  of  October,  in  Exeter ; — 
on  the  14th  at  Teignmouth  ; — on  the  15th  at  Torquay. 

But  his  heart  was  in  Sierra  Leone  ;  and  as  Mrs.  Johnson's 
health  had  been  greatly  restored,  in  less  than  five  months  from 
his  landing  in  England,  we  find  his  preparations  completed  for 
an  immediate  return.  Accordingly,  on  the  19th  of  November, 
a  special  meeting  was  called,  to  take  leave  of  him,  and  of  other 
Missionaries,  who  were  ready  to  depart  to  their  several  destina- 
tions. Mr.  Pratt  thus  records  this  event,  in  the  Missionary 
Register : — 


168  MEMOIR    or    JOHNSON. 

'  A  considerable  number  of  Missionaries  and  others  being 
about  to  proceed  to  various  stations,  a  special  general  meeting 
of  the  Society  was  called  on  the  occasion,  on  Friday,  the  19th 
of  November. 

'  Soon  after  2  o'clock,  the  chair  was  taken  by  the  Right 
Honourable  the  President,  at  Freemasons'  Hall.  The  instruc- 
tions of  the  Committee  were  addressed  to  the  Missionaries  by 
the  Secretary,  in  the  order  of  the  following  list ;  when  Messi-s. 
La  Roche,  Kenney,  Browning,  Cowell,  and  Johnson,  severally 
replied,  as  the  respective  parts  of  the  instructions  were 
concluded. 

'The  Secretary  apprized  the  members  before  Mr.  Johnson 
entered  on  the  concluding  reply  to  the  instructions,  that,  as  Mr. 
Johnson  would  have  no  other  opportunity  of  meeting  so  large 
a  body  of  those  resident  in  the  metropolis  as  o»  the  present 
solemn  occasion,  he  had  been  requested  to  enter  into  a  detail 
of  that  remarkable  work  of  mercy  and  grace  at  Regent's  Town, 
of  which  he  had  been  the  instrument. 

'  Mr.  Johnson  did  this  with  his  accustomed  simplicity  :  and 
his  narrative  made  a  deep  impression  on  the  minds  of  all 
present.' 

After  a  rapid  visit  to  one  or  two  other  provincial  iVssociations, 
Mr.  Johnson  and  his  wife,  with  their  new  coadjutors  and  assist- 
ants, embarked  on  the  27th  of  December  for  Sierra  Leone. 
They  were  driven  into  Falmouth  by  stress  of  weathen;  from 
whence  Mr.  Johnson,  by  travelling  the  greater  part  of  the  night, 
was  enabled,  with  Mrs.  Johnson,  to  spend  a  few  hours  with 
Mrs.  Garnon,  then  residing  at  I'enzance.  It  was  a  visit  of 
mutual  benefit  and  joy,  though  it  awakened  many  painful 
recollections  of  past  scenes  of  Christian  love  and  labour  in 
Africa. 

Their  ship,  the  Maida,  left  Falmouth  Roads  on  the  5th  of 
Jan.  1820,  Mr.  Johnson  having,  before  its  sailing,  written  to 
the  Secretaries  in  London,  as  follows  : — 


LEAVES    ENGLAND.  169 

'Ship  "Maida,"  off  Margate, 

'Dec.  29,  1819. 

'  My  dear  Sirs, 
^  We  are  now  under  weigli  with  a  very  fair  wind,  and  expect 
to  put  the  pilot  on  shore  at  Deal,  by  whom  I  intend  to  forward 
this. 

*  As  the  wind  is  fair,  we  are  not  to  stay  at  Deal,  but  to  pro- 
ceed down  the  channel.  All  my  companions  have  been  sea- 
sick ;  some  are  so  now,  among  whom  are  my  wife  and  my  sis- 
ter.    Mr.  Lisk  suffers  very  much. 

'  I  thank  Mr.  Pratt  for  the  kind  and  affectionate  letter  which 
he  sent  by  Mr.  Scott  to  Gravesend.  I  have  acquainted  my 
friends  with  its  contents.  We  are  in  one  respect  very  comfort- 
able, having  no  other  passengers  with  us.  We  can  sing  and 
pray  as  much  as  we  like ;  nobody  interferes.  But  in  another 
we  are  not  so  comfortable,  as  captain  Rowe  thought  proper  to 
discharge  the  steward  at  Gravesend.  He  promised  to  engage 
another  at  Deal,  but  as  the  wind  is  fair  we  shall  have  to  go 
without  one. 

•  My  wife,  sister,  and  my  friends,  desire  to  be  remembered  to 
you. 

■  '  Continue  to  pray  for  us  that  peace  may  always  be  amongst 
us,  and  that  we  may  prove  profitable  servants  in  the  Lord's  vine- 
yard. We  do  not  forget  you  and  other  friends,  and  we  think 
at  times  that  we  meet  before  the  throne  of  grace  in  spirit, 
which  is  a  great  comfort. 

'  I  remain, 

'  My  dear  sirs, 

'  W.  Johnson.' 

'Ship  "Malda,"  Jan.  2.  1820. 

'  My  dear  Sirs, 

'  We  have  been  until  now  traversing  about  the  channel,  and 

are  now  making  for  Falmouth,  where  we  expect  to  anchor  in 

the  course  of  an  hour.     I  understand  that  Penzance  is  only 

twelve  miles  from  Falmouth ;  if  the  wind  continues  against  us 


l70  MEMOIR    OF   JOHNSON. 

until  to-morrow  morning,  I  shall  proceed  with  my  wife  to  see 
Mrs.  Garnon.  My  companions  have  suflfered  very  much  w'ith 
sea-sickness.  Mr.  Lisk  has  been  so  very  ill  that  I  began  to  fear. 
He  could  neither  eat  nor  drink  for  four  days,  and  appeared  like 
a  dying  man.  He  is  however,  through  the  mercy  of  God, 
a  little  better  to-day.  I  see  in  the  Report  that  the  Rev.  R.  H. 
Hitchens  is  President  of  the  Falmouth  Association.  I  shall 
wait  upon  him  as  soon  as  we  arrive ;  and  perhaps  we  might 
have,  (should  we  be  detained  by  the  wind  three  or  four  days) 
the  intended  meetings. 

'  If  you  have  received  dispatches  from  Sierra  Leone,  be  so 
kind  as  to  send  them  by  return  of  post.  Should  we  be  gone,  I 
will  tell  Mr.  Hitchens  to  send  them  back  to  you,  if  you  will 
direct  them  accordingly.  My  wife,  sister,  and  the  other  friends 
desire  to  be  remembered. 

'  I  remain,  &c. 

'  W.  Johnson. 

P.S.  "We  had  divine  service  on  board  this  morning,  and  we 
trust  the  Lord  was  with  us.  The  captain  always  attends  family 
prayers,  and  has  come  to  the  determination  this  morning,  that 
the  seamen  shall  attend  also.     The  Prince  of  Peace  is  with  us.' 

As  we  have  already  alluded  to  the  letters  received  by  Mr. 
Johnson  from  some  of  the  converted  negroes  in  Sierra  Leone, 
during  his  stay  in  England,  it  seems  proper  here  to  give  one  or 
two  of  them.     The  following  are  selected  from  many  others  : — 

'Regent's Town,  May  26th,  1819. 

'  My  dear  Father  in  Christ  Jesus, 
'  I  have  written  a  few  lines  to  you.  I  hope  you  are  well  in 
the  Lord,  and  your  wife.  I  hope  you  will  re;T;ember  me  to  my 
brethren  and  sisters,  though  1  do  not  know  them  ;  but  I  trust 
one  day  or  other,  we  shall  meet  on  the  right  hand  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ. 


LETTERS    FROM    REGENt's    TOWN.  1*71 

'  When  I  think  about  the  oflSce  to  which  our  Lord  has  ap- 
pointed me,  I  fear.* 

'  When  I  read  the  Bible,  I  learn  that  God  said,  "  Fear  thou 
not,  for  I  am  with  thee ;"  and,  "  if  ye  have  faith  as  a  grain  of 
mustard-seed,  ye  shall  say  unto  this  mountain,  remove  hence  to 
yonder  place,  and  it  shall  remove,  and  nothing  shall  be  impos- 
sible unto  you."  And  when  I  read  in  New  Testament,  I  find 
Jesus  said,  "  He  that  believeth  on  me  hath  everlasting  life — I  am 
the  bread  of  life."  This  is  my  hope.  But  I  fear  again,  because 
the  Lord  said,  "  Repent,  or  else  I  will  come  unto  thee  quickly, 
and  will  fight  against  thee  with  the  sword  of  my  mouth." 
This  is  my  trouble. 

*  Remember  me  to  all  my  brethren  and  sisters — let  them 
pray  for  me,  that  the  Lord  may  give  me  faith  to  believe  in  him. 
I  do  not  fear  what  man  can  do  to  me,  for  the  Lord  is  my 
shield  and  my  hope. 

'  Pray  for  me  !  Pray  for  me  !  for  I  stand  in  need.  May  the 
grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  be  with  you  and  all  his  children. 
Amen.' 

Another  writes  : — 

'  I  take  this  opportunity  of  writing  these  few  lines  unto  you, 
my  dear  brother,  and  1  hope  God  may  preserve  and  keep 
you  when  you  pass  through  the  mighty  deep  !  and  by  the  will 
of  God,  I  hope  we  may  see  one  another  again.  T  remember  you 
day  by  day,  and  I  ask  you  how  you  feel  in  your  heart,  my  dear 
brother ;  I  hope  you  may  be  well  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ — 
you  and  Mrs.  Johnson ;  and  I  pray  unto  God  that  He  may 
keep  you  till  you  come  to  Africa  again,  that  we  may  see 
one  another. 

'  I  thank  Almighty  God  for  his  loving-kindness  to  me.  I 
know  the  Lord  is  my  Saviour  and  my  God.  I  pray  for  all  the 
good  people  who  are  in  England,  and  the  secretary ;  I  hope 
you  may  be  well  in  Jesus,  and  that  you  may  send  more  mis- 

*  The  -writer  was  a  native  assistant  in  one  of  the  schools. 


172  1^  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

sionaries  to  Africa,  to  proach  the  gospel  to  our  poor  coimtry- 
men.  My  master,  please  to  send  me  one  hymn-book.  My  wife 
ask  you,  how  you  do,  Mrs.  Johnson  V 

The  writer  of  one  of  these  letters  gives  the  following  affecting 
account  of  the  state  of  the  colony,  during  the  few  months  pre- 
ceding. The  feelings  of  the  Christian  natives  under  their  be- 
reavements afford  a  fair  indication  of  the  value  of  the  mis- 
sion. 

*  I  staid  at  Charlotte  Town,  when  Mr.  Taylor  was  sick,  and  I 
speak  to  the  people  the  word  of  God.  One  time  we  meet  to- 
gether for  missionary  prayer-meeting.  Oh,  that  time  many 
white  people  sick  !  and  many  of  them  die ! 

'  i\jid  that  time  we  lose  one  of  our  sisters,  Mary  Moddy,  she 
was  brought  to  bed,  and  the  child  died ;  and  herself  caught 
cold,  and  I  went  to  see  her,  and  I  asked  her,  "  How  you  do  ?" 
she  said,  "  I  fear  too  much."  I  asked  her,  "  What  you  fear 
for  V  and  she  said,  "  I  done  sin,"  and  I  said,  "  Pray  to  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  He  only  can  do  you  good."  And  I  prayed  with 
her,  and  the  next  day  I  went  again,  and  I  say  unto  her,  "  How 
do  you  feel  in  your  heart  ?"  and  she  said,  "  Oh  my  heart  too 
wicked,"  and  I  said,  "  Do  you  pray  to  Jesus  Christ  ?"  she  said 
"  Yes !  to  whom  should  I  pray  if  I  not  pray  to  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ?"  And  I  talked  with  her  a  good  while,  and  then  I 
prayed  with  her  and  went  away.  The  next  day  I  went  again, 
and  she  could  hardly  speak ;  I  prayed  with  her,  and  stop  with 
her,  and  by  and  by  she  died. 

'  Tha't  time  Mr.  Cates  sick,  and  Mr.  Morgan  sick,  and  poor  Mr. 
Cates  die.  I  think  the  journey  to  the  Bassa  Country  which  he 
take  that  too  much  for  him,  the  land  so  long  to  walk,  and  the 
sun  so  hot.  Yet  I  cannot  prove  that ;  but  I  think  his  work 
was  done,  and  his  time  up.  When  he  was  sick  I  went  to  see 
him,  "  How  do  you  do,  Mr.  Cates  ?"  and  he  said,  "  I  shall  cer- 
tainly die."  And  by  and  by  he  got  down  to  Freetown,  and 
he  sink  very  much,  all  his  strength  gone ;  but  he  was  a  man  of 
faith,  and  he  die  on  Friday  about  five  o'clock.     And  on  Satur- 


ARRIVAL.  1*73 

day  we  go  to  bury  him,  four  o'clock,  and  we  look  upon  him  ; 
and  then  we  went  to  Mr.  Jesty's  house,  and  Mr.  Jesty  tell  us, 
and  say,  he  think  God  would  leave  this  place,  because  white 
people  die  fast,  and  when  I  hear  that,  I  fear  too  much,  and  I 
consider  many  things  in  my  mind  ;  and  I  think  hypocrites  live 
among  us,  and  God  want  to  punish  us,  but  I  trust  again  in  the 
Lord,  He  knows  his  jieople.  He  never  forsake  them.  Then  Mr. 
Collier  get  sick,  and  Mr.  Morgan  get  sick  again  ;  and  our  friend 
said,  "  God  soon  leave  this  place,"  and  I  said,  "  I  trust  in  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ ;  he  knows  his  people,  and  he  never  left  them  neither 
forsake  them."  And  next  Sunday  Mr.  Collier  die  about  eleven 
o'clock.  Then  Mr.  Morgan  sick,  Mrs.  Morgan  sick — Mr.  Bull  sick ! 
Oh  that  time  all  Missionaries  sick.  We  went  to  Freetown,  Mon- 
day, bury  Mr.  Collier,  and  we  come  home  again  and  keep  service 
in  the  Church  ;  Oh  that  time  trouble  too  much  in  my 
heart.  Nobody  to  teach  me,  and  I  was  sorry  for  my  iwor 
country-people.  Mr.  Gates  died,  Mr.  Collier  died,  Mr.  Morgan 
sick.  Oh  !  what  must  I  do  for  my  country-men ;  but  I  trust 
in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  he  know  what  to  do  ;  and  I  went  to 
pray,  and  I  say,  "  O  Lord,  take  not  all  the  teachers  away  from 


After  these  affecting  details,  it  is  pleasant  to  add,  that  on  the 
31st  of  January,  Mr.  Johnson  wrote  to  England  as  follows  : — 

^SIu]}  "Maida,"  JanuavT/  31,  1820. 
'  Rev.  and  dear  Sirs, 

'  I  have  only  time  to  say  that  we  are  off  Sierra  Leone.  Free- 
town is  just  in  sight,  and  as  a  vessel  is  now  coming  out,  I  em- 
brace the  opportunity  of  informing  you  of  our  welfare.  We 
sailed  on  the  6th  inst.  from  Falmouth,  and  expect  to  be  at 
Freetown  this  evening. 

'  Blessed  be  the  Lord  of  Hosts  for  his  mercy  towards  us  in 
having  brought  us  safe  so  far.  We  have  had  a  rough,  but 
quick  passage.     I  have  had  an  interview  with  some  fishermen 


4I^ 


174  MEMOIR    OF   JOHNSOX. 

this  morning,  who  told  me  that  all  the  missionaries  were  well, 
but  they  could  not  give  me  a  correct  account  of  the  females. 

'  I  shall  embrace  the  next  opportunity  of  giving  you  a  fur- 
ther account  of  our  landing,  &c.     I  am,  &c., 

'  W.  Johnson. 

*P.S.  My  wife,  (who  appears  to  be  quite  restored  to  health,) 
sister,  and  all  the  rest  desire  to  be  remembered  to  you  and 
yours.' 


CHAPTER   Vn. 

A.D.  1820. 

Arrival  in  Regent's  Town — Letter  from  Home — State  of  things  in  the 
Mission — Restoration  of  its  efficiency. 

On  Mr.  Johnson's  landing,  one  of  the  first  things  which  would 
meet  his  eye,  would  be  a  letter  from  the  Secretaries  in  London, 
which  had  arrived  in  his  absence.  Its  intrinsic  value,  and  the 
peculiar  circumstances  with  which  it  deals,  seem  to  make  it 
desirable  that  this  document  should  be  preserved. 

In  the  course  of  the  past  narrative,  the  one  feature  in  this 
mission  which  would  most  perplex  and  fill  with  doubts  the 
mind  of  a  sober  English  Christian,  would  be,  the  excitement 
which  often  prevailed,  showing  itself  in  loud  cries  and  tears, 
and  often  hindering  the  proper  and  decorous  progress  of  public 
worship.  It  is  right  that  the  reader  should  be  apprized,  that 
these  questionable  movements  were  not  overlooked  by  the 
directors  of  the  Church  Missions  in  London.  The  letter  which 
we  are  now  about  to  give,  was  sent  from  England  while  Mr. 
Johnson  was  on  his  return  home, — that  event  being  regarded 
by  the  Secretaries  as  uncertain.  It  would  therefore  come  into 
Mr.  J.'s  hands  on  his  landing. 

'  The  Secretaries  to  Mr.  Johnson. 

'  Church  Missionary  House,  London, 

'June  26,  1819. 
*  Dear  Brother  Johnson, 
'  Your  letter  of  the  24th  of  February  reached  us  on  the  2nd 
of  June.     The  letter  and  journal  by  the  Pyrenees,  and  the  jour- 
nals of  your  excursions  round  the  colony,  and  the  minutes  of 
your  first  anniversary  of  your  Missionary  Society  forwarded  in 


l76  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

January,  arrived  safely,  and  liave  already  been  acknowledged 
and  answered. 

'  The  Committee  very  sincerely  sympathise  with  you  in  your 
present  trials,  and  trust  that  you  will  experience  the  light  and 
consolation  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  by  which  your  path  may  be 
made  plain,  and  your  mind  supported. 

'  Under  tlie  circumstances  stated  in  your  letter,  the  Commit- 
tee do  not  object  to  your  return  with  Mrs.  Johnson,  should  this 
reach  you  before  the  point  shall  have  been  decided,  and  the 
reason  for  your  doing  so  still  continue  to  operate. 

'  We  appreciate  the  importance  of  your  situation  at  Regent's 
Town,  but  do  not  doubt  that  sufficient  means  now  exist  in  the 
colony  for  supplying  your  temporary  absence.  There  will  be 
less  difficulty  in  making  arrangements  for  this  purpose,  as  it 
appears  by  a  letter  recently  received,  by  Mr.  Collier,  that  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Jesty  and  Mr.  Barratt  had  reached  Sierra  Leone  on 
the  26th  of  March. 

'  The  Committee  feel  greatly  encouraged  by  the  success  by 
which  the  Lord  has  been  pleased  to  bless  the  exertions  of  the 
Society  in  Africa.  We  pray  that  every  plan  for  making  the 
Redeemer  known  to  the  inhabitants  of  that  injured  country 
may  be  laid  and  executed  in  that  faith,  prudence,  humility  and 
zeal  by  which  liis  glory  may  be  most  effectually  advanced,  and 
his  grace  and  salvation  most  eftectually  diflfused. 

'  Your  report  to  the  April  meeting  of  Missionaries  is  truly  gra- 
tifying, and  we  desire  to  give  glory  to  the  God 'and  Father  of 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  for  that  blessing  which  has  rendered  your 
labor  so  eminently  successful  in  bringing  poor  degraded  Afri- 
cans to  a  knowledge  of  himself.  We  rejoice,  however,  with 
trembling,  when  we  reflect  upon  Satan's  devices,  and  the  pecu- 
liar character  of  your  people.  Their  knowledge  of  religion  is, 
unavoidably,  very  limited ;  they  have  little  experience  in  the 
Divine  life,  and  their  judgments  conseqiiently  are  very  imper- 
fectly formed,  whilst  their  constitutions  render  them  remarkably 
susceptible  of  having  their  feelings  strongly  wrought  upon.  A 
more  perilous  exposure  to  the  "  wiles  of  the  Devil,"  can  scarcely 


JUDICIOUS    COUNSEL,  1*77 

be  conceived.  A  violent  excitement  to  the  feelings  gives  full 
scope  to  the  power  of  the  imagination,  and  it  is  by  the  ' 
imagination  that  Satan  principally,  if  not  exclusively,  exerts 
his  destructive  agency  wpon  the  soul  of  man.  Connect 
this  view  with  the  character  of  the  enemy,  and  we  may  con- 
clude certainly  that  traces  of  his  influence  will  soon  be  visible 
among  your  people  ;  First,  probably,  by  an  infusion  of  erro- 
neous doctrine,  and  then  by  its  inseparable  concomitant — 
sinful  practices.  Be,  then,  "  sober,  be  vigilant " — "  try  the 
spirits  whether  they  be  of  God."  Have  your  eye  constantly 
upon  the  word  of  God.  Take  it  in  all  its  parts  and  extent. 
Labor  to  make  your  people  thoroughly  acquainted  with  it.  Ever 
bear  in  mind  that  error  in  religion,  whether  it  consists  m  opi- 
nion or  practice,  cannot  be  corrected  by  excluding  from  your 
ministry  the  truth  which  it  perverts  or  distorts,  but  by  a  faith- 
ful, unequivocal,  scripture  statement  of  it  pressed  home  upon 
the  heart  and  conscience,  upon  the  authority  of  that  God  whose 
truth  it  is.  Great  prudence,  incessant  watchfulness,  inflexible 
firmness,  patience,  forbearance,  and  a  spirit  of  unwearied  kind- 
ness are  requisite  under  your  circumstances,  that  your  people 
may  be  kept  steady  and  upright  in  "  that  narrow  way  which 
leadeth  unto  life."  We  do  not  state  these  things  from  any 
doubt  of  your  discretion  or  circumspection,  but  to  warn  you  of 
dangers  which  seem  to  us  great  and  imminent.  The  word  of 
Christ  which  has  already  yielded  support  and  comfort  to  your 
mind,  is  still  applicable  to  your  situation,  and  still  adequate  to 
your  need  :  "  J/y  (jrace  is  sujicient  for  thee."  To  that  grace 
we  commend  you,  and  implore  the  great  Head  of  the  Church, 
who  has  redeemed  with  "his  own  blood"  those  precious  souls 
whom  we  mutually  are  solicitous  to  guard  and  preserve,  to 
vouchsafe  you  all  these  gifts  and  graces  whereby  your  ministry 
may  throughout  be  so  conducted  as  may  best  promote  His 
glory,  aiid  His  people's  good, 
'  We  are,  &c, 

'JosiAH  Pratt, 
'Edward  Bickersteth. 


# 


l78  MEMOIR    OF   JOHNSON. 

The  wisdom  and  solid  judgment  which  mark  this  letter  will 
be  appreciated  by  our  readers  ;  and  it  seemed  due  to  the 
Society  to  let  this  feature  in  the  conduct  of  its  afiairs  be  fully 
known. 

We  now  give  Mr.  Johnson's  first  letter  home,  after  his  land- 
ing, and  his  happy  arrival  in  Regent's  Town. 

Regent's  Town,  Feb.  7,  1820. 
'  Rev.  and  dear  Sirs, 

'  I  am  very  happy  that  I  am  once  more  enabled  to  address 
you  from  this  place,  but  I  should  feel  more  so,  could  I  write  to 
you  such  good  news  as  at  former  times ;  however,  I  think  on 
the  whole  you  will  see  abundant  reason  for  thankfulness,  that 
it  has  pleased  God  for  having  kept  his  Church  here,  even  in 
the  furnace. 

'  I  shall  now  enter  upon  all  particulars,  as  far  as  I  am  able, 
and  may  God  enable  me  to  be  faithful. 

'On  the  31st  of  January  we  dropped  anchor  at  Freetown. 
I  waited  immediately  upon  His  Excellency,  who  received  me 
veiy  kindly. 

'  Being  late,  I  could  not  go  up  to  Regent's  Town  that  even- 
ing ;  but,  the  news  being  carried  up,  a  number  of  the  people 
came  down  in  the  night,  and  many  others  the  next  morning. 
I  did  not  lose  any  of  my  nails  from  ray  fingers  [which  was  the 
case  when  he  left  Africa,  in  consequence  of  the  incessant  shak- 
ing of  hands  with  his  friends]  ;  but  I  believe  that  I  never  in 
my  life  did  shake  hands  so  much  before  as  I  did  that  day. 

'  On  the  evening  of  our  landing,  a  man  saw  me  coming  on 
shore,  and  ran  immediately  up  to  Regent's  Town.  Mr.  Wil- 
helm  had  just  concluded  the  daily  Evening  Service,  when  the 
man  entered  the  church,  and  cried  out — "  All  hear !  all  hear  ! 
Mr.  Johnson  come  !"  The  whole  congregation  immediately 
rose;  and  those  that  could  not  get  out  at  the  doors,  jumped 
out  at  the  windows,  and  Mr.  "Wilhelm  soon  found  himself 
alone. 

'  The  fullowing  evening  I  rode  up.     Mrs.  Johnson,  my  sister. 


STATE    OF    regent's    TOWK.  179 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Beckly,  Miss  Bonfleur  and  Rebecca  Price  having 
gone  in  the  afternoon.  I  entered  the  town  about  ten  p.  m., 
having  moonlight  to  guide  me.  I  beheld  with  grief,  almost 
every  where,  ruins.  The  tower  of  the  church,  the  school-house 
which  the  carpenters  were  covering  when  I  left,  were  levelled 
to  the  ground  ;  the  hospital  just  in  the  same  state  as  I  left  it ; 
the  other  school-house — which  was  intended  for  the  boys,  being 
built  without  arches — was  pulled  down  as  far  as  the  windows, 
and  is  now  begun  again  with  arches.  The  fences  about  my 
yard  and  garden  were  down,  and  not  a  stick  was  to  be  seen. 
The  fence  round  the  field,  which  was  well  cultivated,  was  des- 
troyed :  the  church  was  in  a  most  deplorable  state ;  in  short, 
the  town  did  not  look  like  the  same  place.  Several  people  the 
next  morning  came  and  told  me  grievous  things  ;  and  were  I 
to  put  them  down,  what  would  you,  my  dear  Sirs,  say  of  the 
trials  through  which  the  people  of  God  went  in  this  place  ? 
Several  have  indeed  backslidden,  but  there  are  indeed  many 
causes  for  it ;  what  will  not  be  the  consequence  of  bad  usage  ? 
I  thought  I  had  left  a  friend  and  brother  here,  when  I  left  this 
place — one  whom  I  regarded  much,  but  how  have  I  been 
deceived  ? 

'  I  have  already  said  that  I  had  many  grievous  things  to  hear, 
of  which  I  will  mention  one.  Rachael  Garnon,  Hagar  John- 
son, and  Martha  Johnson,  were  severally  flogged  by  Mr. 

one  Sunday,  out  of  the  church.  Rachael  Garnon,  you  know, 
and  the  other  two  girls,  have  been  my  servants  for  three  years  ; 
and  one  of  them  had  just  risen  from  the  bed  of  sickness,  and 
Rachael  bore  for  some  time  the  mark  of  the  whip  on  her  back. 
They  do  not  know  now  why  they  were  thus  flogged  and  driven 
out  of  the  house. 

'  Mrs.  Wilhelm  gives  tliem  all  an  excellent  character ;  said 
she  never  saw  them  out  of  the  way,  but  that  they  always 
behaved  like  Christians.  I  might  say  more,  but  will  refer  to 
some  interviews  which  I  had  with  my  Missionary  brethren. 

They  informed  me  tliat  as  soon  as  I  was  gone,  Mr. upset 

all  the  plans  which  I  had,  with  diflSculty,  introduced,  formed 


180  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

new  ones,  and  broiiglit  the  whole  town  into  confusion.  Some 
of  the  people  who  had  no  rations,  and  who  worked  by  the 
month,  had  £l,  but  as  soon  as  I  was  gone  were  reduced  to 
l7s.  6d. ;  such  as  did  not  wish  to  work  for  that  sum,  or  could 
not  be  employed,  were  told  to  go  to  another  place.  Mr.  Decker 
told  me  that  he  had  several  of  my  people,  who  received  £1  per 

month.     lie  was  told  by  Mr. that  he  might  have  fifty  if 

he  required  them.  Circumstances  like  these  have  much  thin- 
ned the  population  of  this  place.  One  writes  as  follows  : — 
"  The  Lord  has  been  pleased  to  lay  the  hand  of  affliction  upon 
his  people  in  this  colony  very  heavily,  since  your  departure  '■> 
and  I  think  none  have  felt  it  more  than  his  people  in  Regent's 
Town ;  and  Oh  !  that  it  may  have  good  effect  in  increasing 
their  love  and  strengthening  their  faith,  and  enabling  them  to 
rejoice  in  him  who  doeth  all  things  well." 

'  But  I  will  say  no  more  about  this.     I  must  confess  that  I 

pity  Mr. .     I  heartily  forgive  him,  and  pray  that  if  he 

goes  out  again  elsewhere,  he  will  be  possessed  of  a  more 
humble  spirit.  I  suppose  he  will  have  arrived  before  this  in 
England. 

'  We  had  a  meeting  last  night,  and  you  will  see  by  the 
minutes  that  ail  things  are  so  far  agreeable.  I  believe  there 
never  was  a  more  comfortable  meeting  than  that  was.  All 
seemed  to  agree  to  the  instructions,  as  they  were  so  much  to 
the  purpose. 

'Yesterday  (Sunday)  was  a  day  of  comfort  to  my  soul.  The 
church  was  three  times  full.  In  the  morning  I  married  Mr. 
Kandle  to  Rebecca  Price — preached  on  Matt.  xi.  28  ;  adminis- 
tered the  Lord's  supper  to  about  250  blacks,  and  twelve  whites. 
It  was  indeed  a  day  of  rejoicing. 

'  The  Missionary  Society  at  this  place,  was  also,  in  the  dis- 
tressed time,  given  up.  I  have  invited  and  exhorted  the  people 
to  come  forward  again,  which  they  with  joy  receive.  Tliis 
evening  I  shall  preach  a  sermon  for  the  purpose,  and  perhaps 
noxt  week  we  .shall  hold  our  second  anniver.'^ary,  when  I  oxpi-ct 
all  the  mi>>.ioiiaii''s  will  attend.     Notwithstanding   tlio  many 


STATK    OF    REGENTS    TOWN.  181 

trials  my  dear  people  had  to  go  through,  I  find  that  £31  have 
been  collected  last  year  for  the  benefit  of  the  Church  Missionary 
Society.  When  I  asked  them  why  the  Missionary  Society  was 
given  up,  they  said,  because  nobody  had  told  them  anything 
about  it  these  four  or  five  months — that  no  sermon  was 
preached,  nor  contributions  collected.  The  Benefit  Society  was 
kept  in  order  by  themselves.  It  was  reported  that  his  Excel- 
lency intended  to  send  some  of  the  people  away,  and  I  have 
some  reason  to  believe  it  was  the  case,  though  I  would  not 
assert  it  as  a  fact.  Tamba  says,  "  When  we  heard  this,  we 
prayed  and  wept  whole  nights — the  Lord  Jesus  has  delivered 
us ;  had  you  stopped  one  week  longer,  we  should  have  been 
gone."  The  Governor  intended  to  see  all  the  people  the  day 
after  my  arrival,  but  when  I  came  he  sent  me  immediately  to 
Mr.  Wilhelra,  and  informed  him  that  he  should  not  come.  I 
believe  that  Mr.  Wilhelm  has  done  as  much  as  laid  in  his 
power  to  restore  things  to  their  former  channel,  and  I  wish  that 
he  and  Mrs.  Wilhelra  had  been  here  all  the  time. 

'  Mr.  Bull  is  moving  to  this  place.  I  have  bought  the  farm 
and  houses  (of  which  I  told  Mr.  Bickersteth  on  the  adjoining 
bill)  for  £6.  Be  so  kind  as  to  give  more  positive  directions 
concerning  the  building.  I  do  not  think  that  the  Governor 
will  do  anything  further  than  to  allow  us  to  employ  some  of 
the  captured  negroes. 

'  Tamba,  Davis,  and  Noah,  will  write  to  you  by  the  next  op- 
portunity. They  have  kept  a  journal  which  shall  be  forwarded 
by  the  next. 

'Now,  my  dear  Sirs,  farewell.  Pray  for  us  that  the  great 
Jehovah  may  keep  and  preserve  us,  although  we  have  lost  the 
favour  of  men  and  have  almost  become  a  by-word.  I  can 
assure  you  that  I  was  never  more  happy  in  my  life  than  I  am 
at  present;  and  I  am  sure  you  will  rejoice  with  me  when  you 
hear  that  the  infant  church  at  Regent's  Town  has  stood  the 
furnace.  And  you  will  moreover  rejoice,  when  I  tell  you,  that 
three  communicants  have,  during  my  absence,  gone  to  glory ; 
of  which  I  shall  give  you  a  more  particular  account  in  my  next. 


182  MEMOIR    OF   JOHNSOJT. 

'  The  church  consists  now  of  259  communicants.  Several  of 
the  school-girls  have  been  married  during  my  absence.  One, 
(Mary  Collier)  a  communicant,  one  of  the  youngest  which  were 
admitted  to  the  Jjord's  table,  has  married. 

'  My  wife  and  sister  join  with  me  in  Christian  love  towards 
Mrs.  P.,  and  B.,  and  family.  Mrs.  Johnson  is  quite  restored  to 
health,  a  wonder  to  all  the  colonists. 

'  May  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost  have  all  the  praise. 
Amen. 

'  I  am,  &c. 

'  W.  Johnson.' 

W.  Tamba  to  the  Home  Secretaries. 

'  Regent's  Town,  Feb.  11,  1820. 
'Dear  Sirs, 

*  When  Mr.  Morgan  was  sick,  Mr. came  here  and  said, 

"  Who  are  the  faithful  in  this  place ;  not  one  man  is  able  to  take 
Morgan's  part,  but  every  one  is  bad.  In  this  Regent's  Town, 
they  have  killed  Mr.  Gates,  and  Morgan  is  sick.  If  he  should 
be  removed,  I  shall  not  come  back  here  any  more." 

'  And  if  I  or  Davis  went  to  see  Mr.  Morgan,  Mr. inter- 
fered and  would  not  let  us  go  to  see  him  ;  he  said,  "  Morgan 
does  not  want  any  body  to  see  him  ;"  but  all  the  school-boys 
and  girls  went  to  see  hira,  only  I  and  W.  Davis  he  would  not 
let  go. 

*  After  that  Mr.  Morgan  w^as  removed  to  Leicester  Mountain, 
and  W.  Davis  asked  Mr.  Morgan — "  Have  we  done  anything 
against  you  ?"     He  said,  "  No."    I  said,  "  What  reason  is  there 

then  when  you  sick,  Mr. cannot  let  us  go  to  see  you. 

Why  did  you  tell  him  you  did  not  want  to  see  us  ?" 

'  After  that  Mr.  Morgan  went  away ;  Mr. never  came 

to  Regent's  Town,  except  when  Mr.  Johnson  send  letter ;  then 
he  came  to  Regent's  Town  to  read  the  letter  to  us,  and  when 
he  had  done  reading,  he  always  said — "  Johnson  cannot  come 
back  again,  because  he  hears  too  much  bad  words  from  this 
place  of  you  all ;"  and,  when  I  hear  this,  I  fear ;  and  when  I 


STATE    OF    REGENTS    TOWN.  183 

remember  the  Church  of  Corinthians,  I  do  not  know  what  to 
do ;  but  I  said  in  my  mind,  "  Oh  that  I  could  but  only  read 
the  Bible,  and  I  shall  be  glad  ;"  but  if  I  read  the  sixteenth 
chapter  of  Mark,  15th  and  16th  verses,  I  have  a  little  comfort. 
But,  O  Lord,  Thou  knowest  that  I  can  do  nothing  of  myself; 
but  to  Thee  I  look,  and  Thou  canst  do  what  Thou  wilt  with  us. 

'And  again,  not  one  of  them  could  tell  us,  do  so  and  so; 

no,  not  one,  except  Mr.  Wilhelm  and  Mr.  D ;  those  two 

only  tell  us  to  pray  and  what  to  do.  Sometimes  we  go  to  Mr. 
"Wilhelm  to  tell  him  if  we  done  anything  bad  to  be  so  good  and 
tell  us,  or  to  cast  us  out  from  the  Society.  He  said,  "  If  you 
done  anything  bad,  nobody  can  cast  you  or  Davis  out,  except 
Mr.  Johnson  come  back,  or  send  a  letter." 

'  From  that  time  bad  news  went  all  about  the  other  towns. 
When  we  went  to  Freetown,  we  heard  Regent's  Town  people 
bad.  We  know  that  the  Lord  has  put  it  into  your  heart,  to 
send  teachers  unto  us,  and  we  are  glad  to  hear  the  word  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

'  The  fifth  chapter  of  Matthew,  9th  verse,  where  God  says, 
Blessed  are  the  peace-makers,  comfort  us. 

'  I  tell  you,  Mr.  Pratt  and  Bickersteth,  some  are  glad  to  teach 
us,  but  not  all.  Oh,  that  the  Lord  may  give  them  the  same 
desire. 

'•January  31,  1820.  Governor  send  a  letter  to  Regent's 
Town,  to  Mr.  Wilhelm,  that  all  the  people  should  stop  home  to- 
morrow ;  as  he  would  come  to  see  the  people,  and  send  some 
away.  All  the  day  my  heart  was  troubled  ;  and  I  said,  "  The 
Lord  hath  forsaken  this  town  ;"  but  I  went  into  my  house  to 
consider.  I  bowed  down  to  pray ;  and  said,  ''  O  Lord,  hast 
Thou  not  said,  "  Call  upon  me  in  the  day  of  trouble  :  I  will  de- 
liver thee,  and  thou  shall  glorify  me  ?"  When  I  went  to  even- 
ing prayer,  and  was  full  of  trouble,  one  man  came  into  the 
church,  and  said,  "  All  hear  !  Mr.  Johnson  come  !"  That  night 
some  of  the  people  went  down  to  Freetown.  How  joyful ! 
how  glad  was  the  night !  And  in  the  morning,  Feb.  1st,  we, 
and  some  of  the  boys,  went  to  Freetown  to  see  Mr.  Johnson  ; 


184  MEMOIR    OF   JOHNSOK. 

and  about  nine  o'clock,  Mr.  Johnson  came  in  the  night  to 
Regent's  Town.  Some  of  the  women  kept  watch  for  him : 
when  they  see  hira  coming  on  the  horse,  they  said,  "  Master ! 
how  you  do !  how  you  do  !" 

'^  Feb.  2,  1820.  In  the  morning,  church  was  full,  and  Mr. 
Johnson  said,  after  prayer,  "All  the  people  come  to-night;  I 
have  something  to  tell  them  :"  and  in  the  night,  the  church 
was  full,  as  much  as  it  can  hold.  He  read  unto  us  the  fourth 
chapter  of  the  Second  of  Kings,  26th  verse. — Run  now,  I  pray 
thee,  to  meet  her,  and  say  unto  her,  Is  it  u'ell  ivith  thee  ?  My 
lieart  was  ready  to  say.  "  It  is  well  with  me ;  not  for  my  good 
deed,  nor  for  any  good  desires,  but  by  the  will  of  Him  in  whom 
I  trust."  Oh,  that  I  might  be  enabled  to  keep  the  command- 
ments of  the  Lord !  Oh !  may  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  be  with  us  all !     Amen. 

'  Again,  when  I  remember  my  poor  countrymen,  I  am  sorry 
for  them.  I  cry  unto  the  Lord,  and  say,  "  O  Lord,  teach  me 
to  read  Thy  word,  and  enable  me  to  understand  what  I  read ; 
that  I  may  tell  thein  that  they  may  look  to  God,  that  He  may 
save  them  from  their  sins,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen." 

*  When  I  read  the  forty-fifth  chapter  of  Genesis,  the  latter 
part  of  the  1st  verse — Joseph  made  himself  known  unto  his 
brethren — when  I  read  this  word,  I  say  in  my  heart,  "  Oh,  that 
the  Lord  may  enable  me  to  go  to  my  country-people,  to  carry 
the  good  tidings  to  them !  Oh,  may  the  Holy  Spirit  be  with 
us  all.     Amen.'' 

'  Mr.  Pratt,  Mr.  Bickersteth,  how  do  you  do  ?  I  hope  that 
you  are  well,  and  remember  me  to  all  my  brethren  and  sisters. 
I  hope  they  are  well  in  the  Lord.  I  know  that  the  Lord 
hears  your  prayers,  and  our  prayers.  Oh,  may  the  grace  of 
God  be  with  us  all.     Amen. 

'  William  Tamba.' 

*  P.  S.  The  above  was  written  in  haste,  as  the  boy  was  ready 
to  take  the  letters  to  Freetown.  '  W.  Johnson.' 


STATE    OF    regent's    TOWN.  185 

Rev.  W.  Johnson  to  the  Secretaries. 

'  Regent's  Town,  Feb.  12,  1820. 
'  My  dear  Sirs, 

'W.  Tamba  and  David  Noah  have  brought  me  a  part  of 
their  journal,  and  Davis  is  writing  novF.  I  told  them  to  write 
only  an  abstract,  as  the  whole  would  have  filled  many  sheets, 
and  would  not  have  been  very  suitable.  I  hesitated  for  awhile 
whether  to  send  that  which  I  forward  now.  As,  however,  I 
have  received  it,  I  think  it  my  duty  to  forward  the  same,  in 
order  that  you  may  be  acquainted  in  some  measure  with  the 
state  of  their  minds. 

'  I  shall  endeavour  to  restore  peace  as  much  as  lays  in  my 
power.  I  believe  that  nothing  but  jealousy  has  been  the  cause 
of  all  the  differences. 

'  Oh !  that  missionaries  would  but  have  a  single  eye  to  the 
glory  of  God,  and  rejoice  when  their  brethren  are  useful,  and 
not  envy  the  success  of  each  other.  I  am  grieved  to  the 
utmost  on  this  behalf. 

'  I  had  another  proof  of  this  yesterday.  Mr.  During  was 
so  kind  as  to  send  me  a  note,  which  he  had  received  from  Mr. 
Nylander,  in  which  it  was  stated  that  D.  Noah  had  been  guilty 
of  selling  thirty  buahels  of  lime  belonging  to  Government.  I 
called  Noah,  who  declared  with  an  open  countenance,  his  inno- 
cence. I  sent  him  to  Mr.  Nylander — He  has  returned  this 
morning  with  a  note  from  Mr.  Nylander,  in  which  the  mistake 
is  declared.  Had  Mr.  During  kept  the  note  yesterday,  the 
suspicion  would  have  remained  on  D.  Noah.  Be  not  afraid, 
my  dear  Sirs,  that  I  shall  ever  cause  unpleasantness  to  exist 
among  the  brethren.  No ;  I  will  rather  bear  all,  and  endea- 
vour to  make  peace.  I  shall  only  vindicate  (when  necessary) 
the  character  of  my  people,  which  I  think  is  my  duty. 

'  Mr.  Bull  has  settled  here  with  his  boys.  He  has  only 
brought  fourteen.  The  rest,  which  were  unfit  for  the  institu- 
tion, he  has  sent  away.  I  have  given  him  eleven  of  my  elder 
boys,  ten  of  which  are  communicants,  and  are  very  willing  of 


186  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

becoming  teachers  to  their  country-people.  I  have  evident 
proof  of  their  piety,  and  oh  !  that  they  may  kindle  the  fire 
amongst  the  rest  of  the  boys.     Some  of  tliem  were  mechanics. 

'  W.  Tamba,  and  W.  Davis,  are  employed  as  itinerants; 
they  will  attend  Mr.  Bull's  school  in  the  day-time,  and  in  the 
evenings  and  on  Sundays,  will  visit  the  neighbouring  hamlets. 
One  goes  every  night  to  Leicester  Mountain,  and  keeps  prayer 
with  the  people  there,  who  are  very  much  attached  to  them. 
On  the  whole  they  are  very  useful.  D.  Noah  assists  me  as 
usual,  and  I  don't  know  what  I  should  do  without  him.  I 
would  not  change  him  for  an  European  sclioolmaster. 

*I  have  spoken  with  his  Excellency  concerning  the  building 
to  be  executed  for  the  Institution  here.  He  thinks  that  a 
building  of  bricks  would  be  the  cheapest  and  strongest.  Mr. 
Randle  will  be  here  next  week,  who  is  a  good  artificer,  whom 
I  shall  consult  on  the  business.  I  am  still  full  of  employment, 
and  therefore  not  able  to  write  so  correctly  and  fully  as  I  would 
wish.  Pray  for  me,  that  in  a  particular  manner  at  this  difii- 
cult  season,  the  wisdom  of  the  serpent  and  the  harmlessness 
of  the  dove,  may  be  granted  to  me. 
'  I  remain,  &c., 

'  "W.  Johnson.' 

The  Home  Secretaries  to  Rev.  W.  Johnson. 

'  Church  Missionary  House,  '^ 
'April  6,  1820.  ) 

*  Dear  Brother  Johnson, 
'Your  lettej*s  of  Feb.  7,  and  12,  together  with  communica- 
tions from  W.  Tamba,  W.  Davis,  D.  Noah,  and  P.  Hughes, 
reached  us  on  the  1st  instant. 

'  We  "  bless  the  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ" 
for  your  favourable  passage,  and  the  degree  of  health  to  which 
he  has  been  pleased  to  restore  Mrs.  Johnson. 

'  The  details  which  you  give  of  the  state  in  which  you 
found  things  at  Regent's  Town,  and  the  proceedings  of  Mr. 
in  your  absence,  are  truly  afflicting.     These  occurrences 


LETTERS    FROM    HOME.  187 

painfully  force  upon  our  notice,  how  essential  prudence,  tem- 
per, and  deep  humility  are,  to  a  right  discharge  of  the  arduous 
duties  of  a  Missionary.  We  cannot  but  remark,  however,  the 
gracious  Providence  of  God  in  your  seasonable  arrival  at  the 
colony,  and  trust  that  you  will  be  enabled  speedily  to  restore 
things  to  a  better  state.  It  is  scarcely  necessary  for  us  to  add, 
that  such  a  line  of  conduct  in  accoraplishiug  this,  as  will  best 
promote  peace  and  harmony  among  all  connected  with  the 
Mission,  will  at  once  illustrate  your  own  spirit  and  principles, 
and  most  powerfully  tend  to  the  attainment  of  the  Society's 
great  object  in  Africa. 

'  Whatever  buildings  should  be  erected  for  the  Seminary, 
should  be  well  built  and  substantial,  but  none  should  be  entered 
upon  until  the  nature  and  extent  of  them  has  been  considered, 
and  decided  on,  at  a  meeting  of  the  Chaplains  and  Missionaries. 

'  Mr.  Bull  is  to  consider  himself  at  present  as  the  master  of 
the  Seminary,  and  his  duties  are  the  education  of  the  youths 
who  may  be  placed  in  it.  To  this  object  he  is  to  devote  and 
confine  himself,  under  your  direction.  The  superintendence  of 
the  town,  the  seminary,  and  every  thing  connected  with  the 
station,  is  to  rest  exclusively  with  you. 

•  You  have  done  quite  right  in  sending  to  us  the  letters  and 
journals  of  Tamba,  &c.  Such  documents  give  us  more  insight 
into  the  character  of  the  persons,  and  the  working  of  their 
minds,  than  can  possibly  be  done  by  the  representations  of 
others,  however  faithfully  made. 

'  The  Committee  particularly  wish  that  Tamba,  &c.,  and  all 
such  as  may  be  designed  for  teachers  among  their  countrymen, 
should  be  kept  close  to  study,  for  the  information  and  enlarge- 
ment of  their  minds,  by  the  acquisition  of  such  useful  know- 
ledge as  bears  most  directly  upon  their  future  labours  among 
their  countrymen,  without  trenching  on  such  studies  as  may 
tend  to  their  own  spiritual  improvement. 

'  Praying,  dear  brother,  that  you  may  abundantly  receive 
every  gift  and  grace,  which  is  needful  for  your  personal  walk 
and  ministerial  usefulness,  in  circumstances  of  no  little  difficulty 


188  MEMOIR    OF   JOHNSON. 

and  perplexity,  and  desiring  our  best  Christian  regards  to  Mrs. 

Johnson,  &c. 

'  We  remain,  &c., 

'  JosiAH  Pratt, 

'  Edward  Bickersteth.' 

The  Secretaries  to   W.  Tamba,  W.  Davis,  D.  Noah,  and 
P.  Hughes. 

'  London,  Church  Missionary  House,  ) 
'April  7,  1820.  '  y 

'Dear  Friends, 

'We  have  received  your  journals  and  letters,  giving  us  an 
account  of  Mr.  Johnson's  arrival,  and  what  took  place  during 
his  absence  from  you. 

'  There  are  some  things  in  them  which  give  us  joy,  and 
some  things  that  we  are  sorry  for. 

'  It  gave  us  great  joy  to  hear  of  the  arrival  of  Mr.  Johnson 
among  you,  and  to  know  how  happy  his  return  had  made 
you  ;  and  again,  it  gave  us  joy  to  find  that  you  were  still  in 
the  way  of  the  Lord,  and  had  been  kept  by  the  power  of  God, 
through  faith,  under  mnny  trials. 

'  But  we  were  grieved  to  hear  of  some  of  the  trials  you 
have  gone  tlirough.  You  have  been  taught  that  we  must, 
through  tribulation,  enter  the  kingdom  of  heaven.  We  must 
•wholly  depend  on  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  He  alone  never 
leaves  us,  never  forsakes  or  fails  us;  trust,  therefore,  entirely 
in  him. 

'And  then,  dear  friends,  pray  to  God  to  make  you  very 
meek,  and  humble,  and  teachable,  and  to  make  you  submissive 
to  your  superiors.  This  is  the  Christian  spirit,  for  it  is  like  our 
Saviour,  who  washed  even  the  feet  of  his  disciples. 

'May  God  bless  you  all,  and  make  you  a  blessing  to  all 
your  countrymen.  May  he  ever  help  you  to  speak  to  them 
■with  power,  faithfulness,  and  love,  and  make  you  perfect  in 
every  work  to  do  his  will. 


RESTORATION.  189 

*  But  we  must  not  forget  to  tell  you  another  thing  to  whicli 
the  Committee  wish  you  should  all  attend.  They  are  not  only 
desirous  that  you  should  know  the  word  of  God,  but  that  your 
minds  should  be  opened,  and  your  views  enlarged,  by  a  know- 
ledge of  the  world  in  which  we  live,  and  a  history  of  the  dif- 
ferent nations  of  the  earth,  and  of  their  present  state.  Mr. 
Johnson  has  got  a  large  supply  of  books  for  this  purpose,  and 
the  Committee  expect  that  you  will  all  give  some  hours  every 
day  to  reading  and  studying  those  books  which  he  puts  into 
your  hands.  You  should  all  also  thoroughly  understand  the 
National  system  of  education. 

'  This  is  all  we  have  to  say ;  may  grace  and  peace  be  multi- 
plied unto  you.     "We  are,  dear  friends,  &c. 

'  JosiAH  Pratt, 
'Edvtard  Bickersteth.' 

We  now  resume  the  journals  of  Mr.  Johnson,  for  the  months 
of  February  and  March,  1820. 

'  Feb.  21,  1820.  Yesterday  morning  we  bad  prayer-meeting 
as  usual.  D.  Noah,  P.  Hughes  and  I.  Sandy  engaged  in 
prayer,  and  myself  concluded.  Mr.  Bull  kept  prayer-meeting 
with  his  boys  separately.  Mr.  B.  was  much  pleased  with  the 
boys  who  engaged  in  prayer,  especially  John  Attarra,  one  of 
our  communicants,  who  has,  with  eleven  more  boys,  joined  the 
institution  from  our  school. 

'  At  half-past  ten  divine  service.  The  church  was  full.  Mr. 
Bull  read  the  Church  Service,  after  which  I  preached  on  Luke 
xxiii.  42,  43. 

'  After  service,  several  of  the  communicants  expressed  great 
joy.  One,  an  old  man,  by  the  name  of  Leopold  Susah,  said, 
'  Massa,  my  heart  sing,  me  glad  too  much.'  I  asked,  '  What 
made  your  heart  sing,  Susah  ?'  '  Ah,  you  see  that  poor  thief, 
you  talk  about,  he  no  good  at  all ;  he  be  bad  when  they  hang 
him  on  the  cross — God  teach — he  show  him  bad  heart — he 
m?ke  him  pray  to  Jesus  Christ : — *  Lord  !  remember  me.'  Jesus 

8* 


190  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

no  say,  '  Me  no  want  you — you  too  bad — you  be  thief  too 
much.'  No,  he  no  say  so,  but  take  him  and  tell  him,  *  To-day 
thou  shalt  be  with  me  in  heaven.'  I  see  Christ  take  poor  sin- 
ner ;  that  make  me  glad  too  much.  Ah,  my  heart  sing.  True, 
me  bad,  very  bad  ;  me  sin  too  much  ;  but  Jesus  Christ  can 
make  me  good.  He  take  poor  thief — he  take  me — me  the 
same.     Thank  God,  thank  God  ! 

'  In  the  afternoon  Mr.  Bull  exhorted  the  people  from  Matt.  x. 
32,  33.  In  the  evening  I  spoke  on  John  xvi.  31.  *'  Do  ye  now 
believe  ?"  The  Lord  was  with  us — the  people  were  so  atten- 
tive, that  I  could  have  spoken  to  them  all  night. 

'  After  service,  the  Institution  boys,  and  the  rest  of  the  school- 
boys, kept  prayer-meeting  together  in  the  church,  under  the 
direction  of  Willian  Vivah,  a  communicant.  The  girls  kept 
prayer-meeting  in  their  school-room,  under  the  direction  of  a 
communicant.  Our  hearts  did  sing  for  joy  while  we  heard 
singing  and  praying  on  every  side.  Blessed  be  the  Lord  of 
Hosts,  who  still  carries  on  the  work  of  grace  amongst  us !  May 
the  Lord  have  all  the  praise. 

*W.  Tamba  went  on  Saturday  afternoon  to  the  first  Sherbro 
town,  called  Tongeh  Place,  in  order  to  keep  service  there  yes- 
terday. W.  Davis  went  to  Leicester  Mountain,  where  he  kept 
service  three  times  yesterday,  and  also  this  morning.  He  has 
now  returned,  and  is  pursuing  his  studies  in  the  seminary.  D. 
Noah  kept  service  twice  with  the  sick  people  in  the  hospital. 
The  school-girls  and  boys  were  catechised  between  divine 
service. 

'I  have  just  been  to  the  school.  Mr.  Bull  had  put  the  first 
class  of  my  boys  with  his,  and  I  was  much  delighted  to  see 
some  of  my  little  red-jackets  standing  at  the  top  of  the  class. 
In  the  whole,  there  is  now  a  great  eagerness  amongst  old  and 
young  to  learn  to  read.     I  have  never  witnessed  it  so  before. 

'  I  have  had  many  sweet  conversations  with  the  people  last 
week.     I  have  noted  down  a  few  which  I  will  insert  here. 

'  One  man  said,  "  Massa,  before  you  go  from  this  place,  you 
preach  and  you  say,  '  Suppose  somebody  beat  rice,  when  he 


RESTORATION.  191 

done  beat,  he  talces  the  fan  and  fan  it,  and  then  all  the  chaff  fly 
away,  and  the  rice  get  clean.  So  God  do  him  people,  he  fan 
the  chaff  away.  Now  Massa,  we  been  in  that  fashion  since 
you  been  gone  to  England.     God  fan  us  that  time  for  true." 

'  This  man  went  with  another  the  following  day,  to  clear  a 
place  for  a  farm  ;  he  was  cutting  one  tree,  and  his  companion 
another,  whose  tree  fell  first  and  fell  upon  the  man.  How- 
ever, he  was  miraculously  pi'eserved.  His  face  was  cut,  but 
his  life  was  spared.  He  is  fast  recovering,  and  praising  God 
for  his  peculiar  mercy. 

'  On  Friday  night,  a  house  caught  fire  and  was  burned  down. 
The  alarm-bell  was  struck,  and  all  the  people  came  to  the  fire. 
One  of  the  communicants  was  much  distressed  on  Saturday. 
He  said,  "  Last  night  that  house  burn — the  bell  ring — all  peo- 
ple get  up,  and  go  to  the  fire ;  but  I  no  hear  it.  I  sleep  all 
night  until  this  morning,  then  the  people  tell  me ;  this  make 
me  fraid  too  much  Jesus  Christ  shall  come  in  the  same  fashion, 
and  me  fraid  he  find  me  sleep."  He  was  indeed  much  dis- 
tressed. May  the  Lord  bless  the  words  which  were  spoken  to 
him  ! 

'J.  n.,  a  communicant,  said,  "I  thank  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  for  what  he  done  for  me.  I  sorrow  because  I  cannot 
keep  the  commandments.  I  want  to  do  them  too  much,  but  I 
cannot  do  them  myself.  The  Lord  bring  me  into  this  country  : 
He  do  it  with  his  own  mighty  hand.  He  no  come  to  save 
good  people,  but  sinners.  Oh,  I  pray  that  God  the  Father  may 
give  me  peace  through  Jesus  Christ.  No  man  can  save  another, 
but  only  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Sometimes  me  feel  glad  too 
much."  Ques,  "What  makes  j^ou  feel  glad?"  Ans.  "The 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.  He  save  poor  sinners.  He  die  for  them ; 
that  makes  me  glad.  Sometimes  me  no  have  peace  at  all." 
Q.  "  What  is  it  that  disturbs  your  peace  ?"  A.  "  Because  me 
no  keep  the  commandments."  Q.  "  When  you  no  feel  peace, 
what  do  you  do  then  ?"  A.  "  I  go  to  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ- 
he  give  me  peace." 

'  J.  Collv,  an  Ebo  man,  one  of  those  savages  that  were  sent 


192  MEMOIR    OF   J0^^'60N, 

here  from  the  African  corps  ;  not  a  communicant — "  Massa,  I 
come  to  you  to  t.tlk  about  God  palaver.  My  heart  trouble  me 
too  much — me  want  to  pray,  but  me  uo  sabba  how  to  pray." 
Q.  "  "What  do  you  want  to  pray  for  ?"  A.  "  Me  want  to  pray 
to  God  to  save  me — me  too  bad."  Q.  "  What  makes  you 
bad  ?''  A.  "  Me  remember  the  thief — me  lie — me  curse — me 
do  bad  thing  too  much,  and  me  no  remember  me  do  good." 
He  appeared  to  be  convinced  of  sin.  I  questioned  him  on  the 
Saviour's  ability  to  save  him,  but  found  him  not  clear  on  that 
head — gave  him  such  instructions  as  will  relieve  him,  if  blessed 
by  the  Holy  Ghost. 

'  Sam,  not  a  communicant.  "  I  want  to  come  to  Jesus 
Christ  to  save  me.  Me  trouble  too  much  ;  many  bad  things  I 
do,  and  them  trouble  me  too  much.  I  believe  that  Jesus 
Christ  die  for  me,  and  I  believe  that  He  be  God."  Q.  "  How 
many  Gods  are  there  ?"  A.  "  God  the  Father — God  the  Son, 
and  God  the  Holy  Ghost,  that  be  one  God."  Spoke  to  him  as 
the  Spirit  gave  utterance,  and  told  him  to  keep  company  with 
Josiah  Yamsey,  a  communicant,  who  is  his  countryman,  and 
can  speak  to  him  in  his  own  tono-ue. 

'  Peter  Green,  who  had  been  excommunicated  for  bad  con- 
duct, said,  "  Mr.  Johnson,  since  you  go  from  this  place,  I  have 
no  peace,  I  have  trouble  too  much.  I  don't  think  I  belong  to 
God,  and  that  trouble  me  too  much.  I  have  done  bad  since 
you  go  away  ;  I  have  quarrelled  with  ray  wife,  and  my  wife 
reported  me  to  the  Governor,  and  he  put  me  in  jail,  and  then 
they  turn  me  out  of  the  church.  I  am  very  sorry  for  what  I 
have  done.  I  have  no  peace."  Q.  "  Do  you  live  peaceable 
■with  your  wife  now  ?"  A.  "  Yes,  sir."  I  exhorted  him  to 
prayer  and  watchfulness,  &c.,  and  told  him  that  if  his  conduct 
agreed  with  what  he  said,  I  would  re-admit  him. 

^ Ann  Shaw,  not  a  communicant.  "Massa,  I  can't  get  rest 
at  all ;  my  wicked  heart  trouble  me.  None  can  do  me  good 
except  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  He  only  can  do  me  good."  I 
said,  "  If  you  are  persuaded  of  that,  go  then  to  him  ;  he  says, 
*  None  coming  unto  me  will  I  cast  out.'     A.  "  I  cannot  go  to 


RESTORATION.  193 

Him  by  my  own  strength,  Massa."  Q.  "  Did  you  ever  pray  to 
hira  ?"  A.  "  Yes,  I  pray,  but  I  can't  tell  if  God  hear  my  prayer. 
Sometimes  when  I  pray  I  feel  glad,  but  sometimes  when  I  pray, 
my  heart  run  all  about,  and  then  I  feel  no  peace."  Q.  "  What 
makes  you  feel  glad  sometimes  ?"  A.  "  Because  Jesus  Christ 
been  hang  on  the  cross  for  poor  sinners.  He  shed  his  blood  to 
save  sinners." 

Fanny  Leigh,  a  school-girl,  not  a  communicant,  appeared 
much  distressed :  she  said,  "  Once,  Massa,  you  say  in  the 
church,  '  Every  one  who  dies  without  believing  in  Jesus  Christ 
would  go  to  hell.'  These  words,  Massa,  live  always  before  my 
ear,  make  me  afraid  too  much  ;  and  again,  me  do  bad  very  much. 
Every  day  my  heart  plague  me — me  get  bad  more  and  more, 
me  don't  know  what  to  do."  She  wept  bitterly.  Q.  "How 
long  is  it  you  feel  so  ?"  A.  "  Before  you  go  to  England,  and 
since  that  time,  my  heart  trouble  me ;  no  good  thing  live  in 
my  heart.  I  hope  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  will  have  mercy  upon 
me.  Suppose  he  no  save  me,  I  must  go  to  hell.  I  want  to 
pray  to  him,  and  sometimes  me  pray,  but  me  think  he  no  hear 
me.     I  have  no  strength,  but  I  trust  the  Lord  will  help  me." 

'  Josiah  Yamsey,  a  communicant.  "  One  morning  last 
week,  when  we  had  morning  prayer,  you  read  the  first  Psalm. 
When  you  came  to  the  last  verse,  you  said,  '  The  ungodly  shall 
perish — hear  this  now — you  hear  what  God  says — the  ungodly 
shall  perish  !'  Oh  massa,  them  words  go  through  my  heart, 
them  make  me  'fraid  too  much.  But  on  Sunday  you  preach 
to  me — you  preach  on  the  words,  '  Come  unto  me,  all  ye  that 
labour  and  are  heavy  laden,  and  I  will  give  you  rest.'  That 
word  comfort  me  very  much.  I  was  troubled  too  much,  but 
the  Lord  Jesus  delivered  me  through  them  words.  I  thank 
God  for  his  mercy." 

'Feb.  22,  1820.  Slept  very  little  during  the  night.  The 
spiritual  state  of  the  people  is  upon  my  mind  very  much.  Oh, 
who  is  sufficient  for  these  things  ?  May  God  the  Holy  Ghost 
help  me,  and  enable  me  to  build  up  the  people  of  God  in  this 


194  MEMOIR    OF   JOriNSOX. 

place  in  their  most  boly  faith  The  following  promise  comforted 
my  soul :  "Fear  not,  I  will  help  thee." 

'  W.  Taniba  came  home  yesterday.  He  spoke  on  Sunday 
morning  to  the  Sherbro  people,  at  Tongeh  Place,  and  then 
Avent  to  a  small  place  where  a  number  of  negroes  live,  called 
Passantah  Place  :  where  only  two  women  and  one  man  would 
hear  what  he  had  to  say.  lie  then  returned  to  Wilberforce, 
where  he  arrived  in  time  to  keep  service  in  the  afternoon  and 
evening,  Mr.  Decker  having  the  fever.  Our  evening-school 
increases  very  much.  We  had  last  night  140  men  and  boys, 
and  about  80  women. 

'  Feh.  23.  S.  Collins,  a  communicant,  came  to  me  and  said, 
"  Massa,  me  know  for  true  this  time  that  God  never  leave  nor 
forsake  him  people.  That  time  you  go,  too  much  trouble  come 
in  this  place,  and  then  we  hear  that  you  no  come  back 
again,  and  we  hear  that  the  Governor  want  to  break  up 
this  town.  Me  say  to  J.  Bell,  '  Come,  let  us  go  to  another 
place,  where  people  no  trouble  us,'  but  my  brother  say,  '  No,' 
•we  no  must  run  away  from  trouble.  God  send  it,  and 
God  will  take  it  away.  I  no  believe  that  Mr.  Johnson  no 
come  back.'  Well,  I  stop  a  little  longer ;  and,  by  and  bye, 
some  of  my  brethren  do  bad  ;  when  trouble  come  they  no  bear 
it.  That  hurt  me  too  much  ;  then  I  want  to  go  away  again, 
but  God  stop  me.  By  and  bye  news  come  that  the  Governor 
want  to  break  this  town  up.  Me  think,  '  Now  God  forsake 
the  people  at  Regent  Town.'  Me  go  to  the  Church  at  night. 
Mr.  Wilhelm  say  all  people  must  be  ready  ;  the  Governor 
comes  to-morrow.  Ah !  massa,  my  heart  feel  sorry  for  true, 
but  just  when  me  in  that  way,  a  man  came  into  church  and 
say,  '  Mr.  Johnson  come  !'  Oh,  massa,  I  can't  tell  you  what 
my  heart  feel  then.  God  no  forsake  his  people.  He  know  all 
liim  people.     Oh,  thank  God,  thank  God  !" 

'  John  Attana,  a  communicant,  and  now  in  the  seminary. 
"  Me  sorry  for  myself,  and  for  my  country  people.  I  think  I 
no  shall  do  good  to  them.  Oh,  that  God  may  teach  me,  that 
I  may  teach  my  poor  country  people  again.     Me  cannot  do 


NATIVE    COMMUNICANTS.  195 

anything  by  myself.     I  am  too  bad — my  heart  very  wicked. 
I  pray  that  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  may  have  mercy  upon  me. 

Ftb.  25. — '  In  the  afternoon,  the  second  anniversary  of  the 
Regent's  Town  Church  Missionary  Society,  was  held.  The 
church  was  full  on  the  occasion.  The  Rev.  Messrs.  During, 
Decker,  and  Johnson,  and  Messrs.  Taylor,  Fox,  Tamba,  Davis, 
Noah,  Sandy,  and  Hughes,  addressed  the  meeting  ;  after  which 
a  collection  was  made,  which  amounted  to  £4  8s.  6d.' 

Of  the  addresses  of  the  native  communicants  at  this  meeting, 
Mr.  Pratt  has  preserved  the  following  record  : — 

One  of  the  Christian  negroes  spake  thus  : — 

'  My  dear  brothers  and  sisters — I  stand  here  before  the  con- 
gregation, not  by  my  will,  but  by  the  will  of  God.  I  thank 
the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  for  His  mercy,  in  bringing  me  to  this 
country  to  hear  the  gospel.  When  I  first  went  to  the  meeting, 
I  did  not  know  what  I  went  for.  One  evening  when  I  live  in 
my  house  Mr.  Johnson  came  to  me,  and  he  talk  to  me  about 
my  soul ;  and  what  he  told  me  that  night  I  no  forget  till  this 
time.  I  thank  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  that  he  has  shewn  me 
my  sinful  state.  That  time  I  live  in  my  country,  I  think  I 
very  good  ;  but  I  see  now,  suppose  I  been  die  that  time,  I  go 
down  to  everlasting  condemnation.  When  I  live  in  my  country, 
fight  come ;  they  catch  me  ;  and  when  I  live  in  ship,  I  sick 
too  much.  But  God  know  what  was  good  for  me.  I  see 
plenty  people  jump  into  the  water,  and  I  want  to  do  the  same ; 
but  God  would  not  let  me  :  He  prevented  me,  and  brought  me 
here.  If  the  Lord  had  not  brought  me  here,  I  could  not  come. 
White  man  no  come  for  nothing  here :  he  tell  us  about  Jesus, 
and  Jesus  know  every  sinner.  He  willing  to  save  them  ;  but 
no  one  can  come  to  him.  God  must  draw  him  !  0  !  I  thank 
the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  for  what  he  done  for  me.  Christ  says, 
Let  your  light  shine  before  men.  Consider — does  your  light 
shine  ?  Again  he  says.  Let  not  your  heart  be  troubled :  ye 
believe  ir^  God,  believe  also  in  me.     In  my  Father's  house  are 


196  MEMOIR    OF   JOHNSON. 

many  mansions — Those  mansions  are  for  the  people  of  God. 
I  thank  the  Lord  that  he  has  brought  Mr.  Johnson  back.  I 
know  Mr.  Johnson  can't  save  me  ;  but  that  word  he  tell  me 
can.  You  pray  for  missionary,  that  very  good  thing.  He  come 
to  you :  he  leave  his  brother,  mother,  and  father,  to  come  to 
tell  you  that  Jesus  Christ  came  to  save  sinners.  You  must  give 
your  coppei-s  too.  Suppose  you  have  one  copper,  or  one 
shilling ;  no  say  you  no  got  plenty  :  ■what  little  you  have, 
give  that.' 

A  second  native  thus  addressed  the  meeting  : — 

'  I  once  more  stand  among  you,  in  the  house  of  the  Lord. 
Last  year  I  no  been  know  if  I  shall  live  this  time  ;  but  God 
enable  me.  I  know  not  my  father  and  mother,  but  God  is  my 
Father  and  Mother.  Some  white  man  take  me  and  sell  me.  I 
came  here,  my  eyes  blind,  my  heart  hard.  No  word  of  man 
can  open  my  eyes  and  ears.  The  Lord  Jesus  open  my  eyes 
and  ears,  and  I  received  his  word.  As  long  as  I  live  I  desire 
to  talk  to  my  country-people,  but  they  no  hear  what  I  say.  I 
pray  that  they  rnay  hear  and  be  saved.  They  go  in  the  bush, 
and  take  bug-a-bug  nest,  and  make  god :  and  they  take  sticks 
and  make  fire  to  cook  rice  ;  and  part  they  burn  to  their  god. 
I  go  to  see  my  country-people  at  their  farms,  but  they  talk 
about  their  good  works  :  they  no  want  to  hear  about  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ.  You  should  all  give  to  the  Missionary  Society ; 
and  may  God  grant  that  my  heart  may  give  also  !' 

A  young  man  followed  : — 

*  My  dear  brethren,  I  am  not  worthy  to  speak  any  thing 
before  you ;  for  I  am  not  worthy  to  mention  the  name  of  God. 
I  see,  and  you  know,  when  Mr.  Johnson  first  come,  he  preach 
— I  go  and  come  back  the  same  as  I  go :  I  no  understand  what 
he  preach.  He  then  preach  again — the  word  he  speak  hurt 
me  too  much.  I  feel  heart  sick.  He  say,  "  No  man  can  enter 
into  the  kingdom  of  God,  except  he  be  born  again — no  thief. 


NATIVE    COMMUNICANTS.  19*7 

no  bad  man  go  there."  Then  me  hear  again,  that  Jesus  Christ 
came  into  the  world  to  save  sinners.  When  I  hear  this  it 
made  me  very  glad.  I  was  the  same  like  a  man  who  carry  a 
bag  full  of  stones  on  his  head  :  I  went  into  the  bush  and  pray, 
and  I  get  peace  and  my  heart  glad.  That  time  I  see  the  light 
of  God  shine  in  my  heart.  When  I  go  to  church,  I  have  joy 
— when  I  go  home,  I  have  joy — when  I  in  bed,  I  have  joy — 
when  I  get  up,  T  have  joy.  But  this  time,  I  no  feel  so  glad. 
I  feel  myself  guilty :  my  heart  is  as  hard  as  a  rock.  If  God 
cast  me  into  hell,  he  do  good.  I  deserve  it.  But  I  thank  him 
for  his  salvation  bought  with  blood.  He  save  me  freely.  I  see 
the  difference  now.  When  I  was  a  little  boy,  no  done  suck, 
fight  come  into  my  country.  My  mammy  ran  away ;  and, 
when  she  run,  she  throw  me  away,  and  a  man  come  and  pick 
me  up,  and  I  no  see  my  mammy  again.  By  and  bye,  they  sell 
me  for  a  bundle  of  tobacco.' 

After  relating  the  circumstances  of  his  being  brought  to 
Sierra  Leone,  he  added — 

'Missionary  come  here,  and  preach  to  us,  and  we  pay  no- 
thing, England  make  us  free,  and  bring  us  to  this  country.  God, 
my  brothers,  has  done  great  things  for  us  ;  but  I  have  denied 
him  like  Peter.  I  can  say  I  am  guilty  before  him  ;  but  he 
will  have  mercy  upon  whom  he  will  have  mercy.  Oh  may  he 
liave  mercy  upon  me  !  I  am  not  able  to  do  any  thing.  I  pray 
God  to  make  us  help  God's  word  to  cover  the  earth,  as  the 
waters  cover  the  sea.  I  believe  that  that  word  will  come  true. 
If  any  one  got  a  penny  let  him  give  it,  and  pray  God  to  bless 
our  Society.' 

The  missionaries  who  gave  these  minutes  of  what  was  said, 
regret  that  they  were  unable  to  give  a  moie  full  account  of  this 
young  native's  address.  It  was  so  impressive  that  it  brought 
tears  from  their  ej^es. 

A  fourth  communicant  said — 


198  MEMOIR    OF    JOIIXSON. 

"  I  was  a  little  boy  when  I  come  into  this  country.  I  bear 
about  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  but  I  no  understand.  The 
Governor  send  me  here.  Mr.  Hirst  lived  here.  He  preach — 
I  go — I  hear — but  I  no  hear.  I  was  blind.  I  no  see  it  neces- 
sary. Mr.  Johnson  came,  and  the  first  Sacrament-day  I  go. 
Monday  I  go  to  work.  A  man  tell  me,  "  You  received  your 
own  damnation."  That  make  me  afraid  too  much.  I  heard 
afterwards  that  God's  people  must  have  trouble  ;  but  I  did  not 
believe  it ;  but  now  I  see  the  difference.  I  know  now  that  the 
road  to  heaven  is  a  rough  one.  Ikit  I  remember  that  Christ 
prays  for  us ;  and  that  he  came  not  to  call  the  righteous,  but 
sinners  to  repentance.  When  I  was  blind,  the  Lord  preserved 
me  out  of  many  troubles :  but  I  did  not  know  then  ;  but  now 
I  see.  Once  I  was  blind,  but  now  I  see.  I  am  sorry  for  my 
country-people,  they  are  blind,  they  are  in  darkness.  Oh  that 
they  may  feel  and  know  what  I  feel  and  know  !  We  must  lift 
our  hearts  for  them  to  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  I  thank  him 
that  he  has  put  it  into  the  hearts  of  white  people  to  do  poor 
black  people  good.  I  will  give  what  I  can  that  they  may  know 
the  word  of  God.  I  was  in  my  country-fashion,  but  by  the 
grace  of  God  I  am  what  T  am.  Let  us  pray  for  our  country- 
people  ;  but  don't  let  us  forget  ourselves.  Oh  that  the  Lord 
may  give  us  strength  !' 

A  fifth  communicant  last  addressed  his  countrymen. 

'If  I  had  stopped  in  my  own  country,  I  should  have  gone  to 
liell.  I  was  not  long  a  slave  in  my  own  country.  My  father 
sent  me  with  my  big  brother  to  the  Headman  of  the  country. 
AVhether  he  sold  me  to  him,  I  cannot  tell.  The  Headman  sent 
me  to  another  country.  AVe  walked  about  two  weeks.  Then 
they  send  me  to  the  sand-beach,  and  white  man  take  me  ;  and  ho 
liide  us  ;  and  I  and  another  boy  we  ran  away  about  two  miles  ; 
but  they  catch  us  again.  I  did  not  know  any  thing  about  God 
at  that  time  ;  but  still  I  said,  "  If  God  will,  they  shall  catch  us." 
I  was  so  afraid  when  I  got  into  the  vessel,  I  cried  very  much, 


NATIVE    COMMUNICANTS.  199 

especially  when  I  think  about  my  father,  brother,  and  sister. 
But,  by  God's  Providence,  I  am  come  to  this  country.  I  went 
to  meeting  to  hear  Mr.  Hirst ;  but  I  play  and  laugh  when  I 
was  there.  Then  Mr.  Johnson  came.  I  always  come  to 
church  because  other  people  go.  I  hear,  but  I  did  not  under- 
stand, till  I  got  sick  with  the  small-pox :  then  I  thought  I 
should  die.  I  begin  to  fear.  Then  I  remember  the  word 
which  I  had  heard  in  the  church.  But  God  spared  me.  I  got 
better.  It  was  then  that  I  found  the  Lord  Jesus  ;  and  I  desire 
to  know  the  Lord  Jesus  more  and  more,  and  that  my  country- 
people  may  hear  of  him.  When  I  consider  what  the  Lord  has 
suffered  for  sinners,  I  am  sorry  too  much  ;  especially  when  I 
read  the  53rd  chapter  of  Isaiah.  That  chapter  make  me  sorry 
too  much.  He  was  wounded  for  our  transgressions,  and 
bruised  for  our  iniquiiies.  I  trust  that  through  the  precious 
blood  of  Jesus,  I  shall  be  justified,  and  shall  reign  with  him  in 
heaven.  My  country-people  lie  in  darkness.  They  worship 
their  own  gods.  "What  Mr.  Taylor  say  just  now  about  the 
day  of  judgment — that  we  should  meet  our  country-people, 
and  that,  perhaps,  through  the  coppers  which  we  give,  make 
me  glad  too  much.  Friends  ;  consider  your  former  state,  and 
consider  the  state  of  your  country-people  now.  I  dare  say 
some  people  say,  "  Some  white  people  bring  me  to  this  coun- 
try." But  they  are  only  instruments  :  it  is  God  that  brought 
xis  here,  to  hear  of  Jesus  the  Saviour  of  sinners.  Suppose  they 
say,  the  Lord  Jesus  no  came  into  the  world  to  save  sinners,  but 
the  righteous,  I  must  go  to  hell.  Oh  pray,  continually  pray, 
for  ourselves  and  for  our  country-people.  Suppose  we  meet  in 
the  day  of  judgment,  and  they  stand  on  the  left  hand,  and  they 
say,  "  you  been  see  me  go  to  hell,  and  have  not  told  me  about 
it."  Try  to  do  the  best :  pray,  and  give  money.  I  thank  the 
Lord  Jesus,  who  save  me,  who  bled  for  me,  who  was  once  nailed 
on  the  cross.  Oh  we  must  pray  that  the  Lord  may  save  us, 
and  receive  us  into  the  kingdom  of  glory.  Suppose  Christ 
leave  us  to-day — we  fall  into  hell.' 


200  MEMOIR    OF   JOHNSON. 

The  journal  now  continues,  as  follows  : — 

26. — '  Several  communicants  spoke  at  the  usual  conference- 
meeting.  Josiah  Yamsey  related  part  of  his  life — how  many 
times  he  was  sold,  and  what  the  Lord  had  done  for  liim  when 
in  darkness  and  ignorance.  When  he  had  stated  his  experience, 
he  said,  "My  dear  country-people,  look  back  and  see  what 
great  things  God  has  done  for  us."  I  was  so  struck  with 
Avhat  he  said,  that  I  intend  to  spend  a  day  with  him,  in  order 
to  collect  his  life,  which  I  think  will  be  very  interesting. 
Others  spoke  much  on  the  same  head. 

27. — ISunday.  '  Divine  service,  half  past  ten  o'clock.  The 
church  is  as  full  as  usual.  I  spoke  on  the  words,  "  What  hath 
God  wrought?"  In  the  afternoon  I  spoke  on  1  John  v.  20  ; 
and  in  the  evening  on  Rev.  xxii.  Y.  Oh,  may  God  bless  his 
word  !  In  the  evening  we  had  the  best  time.  The  Lord  Jesus 
was  in  the  midst  of  lis.  After  evening  service,  the  boys  had 
prayer  meeting  in  the  church. 

28. — '  T.  B ,  a  communicant,  came  to  me;  he  has  been 

much  afflicted  of  late,  with  illness.  He  said,  "  Massa,  you  say 
yesterday  in  church,  some  people  come  to  prayer  every  morning 
and  evening,  and  on  Sunday,  four  times.  They  have  been 
baptized  and  now  call  themselves  Christians :  and  think, 
because  they  come  to  church,  and  say.  Lord,  Lord  !  they  are 
going  to  heaven,  while  they  have  no  heart-religion,  and  do  not 
worship  God  in  spirit  and  in  truth.  They  know  not  true  religion, 
but  only  put  Jesus  Christ  in  their  mouths,  and  no  do  the 
things  which  he  command  them,  and  are  still  going  down  to 
hell.  Oh,  massa,  them  word  hurt  me  too  much — me  think  me 
that  man — me  do  that.  Oh,  massa,  me  no  sleep  all  night — 
me  have  no  peace — me  fraid  too  much."  He  wept  bitterly ; 
tears  of  grief  rolled  over  his  black  cheeks.  I  spoke  to  him,  as 
the  Holy  Ghost  enabled  me.  May  the  great  comforter  of  souls 
comfort  him. 

^Josiah  Yamsey  came  and  told  me,  with  a  sorrowful  counte- 
nance, that  two  of  his  countrymen  went  yesterday  into  the  bush. 


JOURNAL.  201 

to  cut  sticks.  He  said,  "  You  see,  massa,  wliat  them  people  do 
on  Sunday.  By  and  bye  they  will  bring  trouble  again  in  this 
place,  for  do  work  on  Sunday.  Me  always  tell  them,  but  their 
heart  so  hard,  they  will  not  mind  what  I  tell  them.  I  wish 
God  may  teach  them.  Me  'fraid  God  punish  the  place  for  the 
sake  of  the  people." 

Feb.  2'9 — '■W.  Gamon,  a  communicant,  now  in  the  seminary, 
came  and  complained  much.  He  said,  "  Since  you  spoke  in 
the  church  about  hypocrites,  I  had  no  peace.  You  said  that 
many  people  only  know  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  by  their  head  ; 
they  only  say.  Lord,  Lord  !  They  come  to  church  morning 
and  evening,  and  on  Sundays,  and  they  don't  know  Jesus  Christ 
by  the  heart — the  Holy  Ghost  no  lead  them  to  Jesus  ;  they 
think  they  have  peace  with  God,  because  they  do  good  ;  they 
have  no  peace  with  God,  through  Jesus  Christ.  Massa,  then:i 
words  live  in  my  heart.  I  have  no  rest.  I  think  I  one  of  the 
people  that  say.  Lord,  Lord  !  And  again,  another  thing  trou- 
ble me,  that  is,  for  my  learning.  I  can't  learn  good.  And 
another  thing,  sometimes  I  talk  to  those  boys  who  come  from 
Leicester  Mountain,  about  God,  and  they  say,  Uon't  talk  to  me, 
you  can't  teach  me  ;  and  that  boy  Maxwell,  who  been  to  Eng- 
land, he  bad  more  than  all,  he  curse  :  and  suppose  I  tell  him, 
he  say,  me  no  care.     He  very  bad  boy." 

'■March  4.  Several  people  spoke  this  evening,  so  that  I  felt 
what  I  cannot  express.  One  woman  who  had  been  in  my 
school,  and  is  now  married,  said,  "  When  I  very  young,  my 
mother  die.  Soon  after  bad  sickness  come  in  my  country — 
people  look  quite  well,  and  all  at  once  they  fall  down  and  die. 
So  much  people  die  that  they  could  not  bury  them.  Some- 
times six  or  seven  people  stand  at  one  place,  and  all  at  once 
three  or  four  fall  down  and  die.  My  father  take  me,  and  run 
to  another  country,  because  he  fraid  of  that  bad  sick.  My 
father  got  sick,  but  he  no  die.  Me  get  sick  too.  One  day  my 
father  send  me  to  get  some  cassada.  Two  men  meet  me  in  the 
road,  catch  me  and  carry  me  to  the  headman.  The  headman 
say  they  must  sell  me.     Just  when  they  wanted  to  carry  me 


202  MEMOIR    OF    JOHN'SOX. 

away,  my  father  came.  He  very  sick  :  he  look  me,  and  they 
say  rae  thief,  and  they  go  and  sell  me.  My  father  begin  to 
beg  them,  but  they  no  hear.  My  father  stand  and  cry  ;  and 
oh,  massa,  since  you  talk  that  palaver  about  missionary,  and 
about  our  fathers  and  mothers,  me  have  no  rest.  Here  she 
burst  into  tears,  and  said,  "  My  father  always  stand  before  my 
eyes.  Oh,  poor  man,  he  no  sabby  any  thing  about  Jesus 
Christ."  She  wept  very  loudly,  and  after  a  little  continued  her 
sad  tale.  "After  they  carried  me  two  days,  they  sold  me.  I 
do  not  know  what  they  got  for  me.  I  stop  there  a  little,  and 
then  people  carry  me  to  another  place  and  sell  me  again  with 
plenty  more  people.  Me  very  sick  that  time  ;  oh  me  very  poor 
and  nothing  but  bone.  After  the  man  that  buy  me  took  me, 
he  say,  '  This  girl  no  good,  she  go  to  die.  I  will  kill  her — she 
no  good  to  sell.'  A  woman  live  there  (I  think  it  one  of  him 
wife)  she  beg  the  man  not  to  kill  me.  Oh  massa,  God  send 
that  woman  to  save  my  life.  Suppose  that  woman  no  come 
and  beg  for  me,  what  place  I  live  now."  She  wept  again,  and 
could  not  proceed  with  her  tale. 

*  Most  of  those  who  are  influenced  by  Divine  grace,  begin  to 
see  now  the  hand  of  God  in  all  their  former  lives.  I  believe 
that  we  all  were  so  affected,  that  many  tears  were  shed  in 
silence.  Ah,  who  would  not  be  a  missionary  to  Africa  ?  Had 
I  ten  thousand  lives,  I  think  I  would  willingly  offer  them  up 
for  the  sake  of  one  poor  negro.  Our  friends  in  England  do  not 
know  half  the  sorrows  and  miseries  that  reign  in  Africa.  "  Oh 
that  the  salvation  of  Israel  were  come  out  of  Zion." 

'  A  girl  said,  "  Massa,  you  say  last  Sunday  that  God's  people 
have  no  business  to  keep  company  with  the  wicked.  On  Mon- 
day morning  I  go  with  one  bad  girl  down  to  the  Brook,  and  I 
have  no  business  to  go  with  her.  When  I  go  with  her,  a  stick 
cut  my  toe,  I  think  about  them  words  you  talk  in  church,  my 
heart  strike  me,  I  come  home  and  cry  ;  but  massa,  I  no  cry 
about  my  toe,  but  I  cry  about  my  sins.'  " 


LETTERS.  203 

'March  7,  1820. 
*  My  dear  Sirs, 

'  I  could  write  you  many  more  aflecting  tales,  but  as  I  have 
written  the  most  part  of  this  day,  and  it  is  now  late,  I  must 
conclude.  I  have  to  attend  the  proclamation  of  king  George 
the  Fourth  to-morrow  morning  in  Freetown,  when  I  intend  to 
take  this  with  me,  as  a  vessel  is  about  to  sail.  You  will  see  in 
the  above,  that  the  work  of  the  Lord  is  still  carried  on.  It 
pleased  God  to  call  me  to  Europe  last  year ;  and  although  I 
could  not  see  it  at  first,  yet  blessed  be  God,  I  see  now  that  it 
has  been  good  both  for  me  and  my  people.  I  trust  it  has  been 
the  means  of  uniting  me  more  in  affection  to  you  ;  for  I  must 
confess,  that  I  felt  not  so  much  attached  to  you  before  as  I  do 
now  ;  and  I  would  entreat  you  continually  to  give  me  advice 
and  admonition,  on  whatever  you  think  in  me  is  out  of  the 
way.  I  beg  you  would  reprove  me.  I  can  assure  you  you 
have  not  to  deal  with  a  more  feeble  missionary  than  myself. 
In  fact,  I  cannot  express  my  feelings  on  this  head.  Oh,  con- 
tinue to  pray  for  me  that  I  may  be  kept  humble.  I  am  a  poor 
sinful  creature.  It  often  grieves  me  when  I  consider  what  ex- 
pense my  journey  to  England  and  Germany  has  been  ;  but  I 
trust  it  has  been  altogether  for  good.  Saturday  night  is  always 
considered  by  me  as  a  peculiar  season.  Blessed  be  God  that 
I  have  ever  been  permitted  to  attend  the  Saturday  evening 
Prayer-meetings  in  the  Missionary  House.  Give  my  Christian 
love  to  all  friends  who  attend  on  that  occasion. 

'  I  shall  give  you,  as  soon  as  I  can,  some  full  tales  of  my 
people,  which  are  more  interesting  than  ever  I  expected.  My 
wife  and  sister  join  in  Christian  love  to  you,  &c. 

'  W.  Johnson.' 

'March  25,  1820. 

'  It  is  now  my  wish  to  give  you  all  the  information  concern- 
ing things  which  have  come  to  my  knowledge  since  my  return. 

'  The  Governor  has  in  a  great  measure  behaved  more  kind  to 
me  than  formerly ;  but  he  is  notwithstanding,  "  Old  M'Carthy" 


204  MEMOIR    OF   JOHXSOX. 

Still.  I  believe  he  has  studied  to  be  more  prudent.  He 
now  seldom  visits  us,  and  so  gives  us  less  trouble.  If  he 
comes  into  the  mountains,  he  generally  spends  the  greater 
part  of  his  time  at  Bathurst  and  Leopold,  where  (as  he  con- 
fesses) he  meets  with  more  pleasure  and  hospitality.  Some- 
times he  stays  so  long  at  these  places  that  he  has  not  time  to 
call  here,  but  passes  by.  He  has  not  been  here  these  three 
weeks,  and  formerly  he  would  come  twice  a  week,  but  I  can 
assure  you  that  we  are  quite  comfortable  on  that  account. 

'  The  natives  who  resided  on  the  East  and  South  sides  of  the 
Peninsula,  (now  called  the  Colony,)  have  almost  abandoned 
their  villages  on  account  of  the  new  settlements  which  have 
been  established  near  or  among  them,  and  I  believe  that  even 
the  people  down  the  Sherbro,  stand  in  fear  of  losing  their  land. 

'The  improvement  in  the  Colony  (i.  e.  making  more  towns 
and  taking  lands  which  did  not  belong  to  the  Colony,)  will 
more  and  more  prejudice  the  minds  of  the  natives  against  the 
spread  of  the  gospel  of  our  God.  Thus  all  openings  appear 
to  be  shut  again,  which  causes  not  a  little  uneasiness  to  my 
mind  ;  but  "  the  Lord,  He  is  God,"  He  will  open  effectual 
means  and  ways  in  His  own  time,  A  passage  has  often  com- 
forted me,  and  which  every  day  is  new  to  me,  "  I  will  bring 
the  blind  by  a  way  which  they  know  not.'' 

'  The  Europeans  of  Freetown  have  now  commenced  a  new 
method  of  showing  their  ungodliness.  They  frequently  break 
the  Sabbath  by  going  on  horseback  round  the  villages.  They 
generally  go  through  Gloucester  and  Bathurst  to  Leopold, 
where  they  arrive  when  Divine  Service  is  nearly  over,  which 
they  profess  to  attend.  Afterwards  they  proceed  to  the  water- 
falls, get  almost  intoxicated,  and  then  return  through  Regent's 
Town  about  3  o'clock,  and  annoy  us  with  a  great  many  com- 
pliments when  we  are  about  to  go  into  church.  Some  came  a 
few  Sundays  since  during  morning  service,  and  walked  all  abouc 
the  place — no  people  being  at  home  except  the  sick  in  the  hos- 
pital. I  have  given  the  churchwarden  orders  to  tell  them, 
when  they  come  again,  that  all  the  people  in  Regent's  Town 


LETTERS.  205 

serve  God  on  Sundaj ,  and  that  he  is  sorry  to  see  a  white  man 
who  knows  book,  break  the  Sabbath. 

'I  am  exceeding  glad  to  hear  of  the  arrival  of  Mr.  Garnsey. 
I  hope  he  will  meet  with  more  success  than  his  predecessor. 

'  I  am  sorry  to  say  the  Bible  Society  is  entirely  neglected. 
The  anniversary  should  have  been  held  in  January.  We  will 
endeavour  to  have  a  meeting  as  soon  as  possible. 

'  I  am  happy  to  say  I  firtnly  believe  Mr.  Taylor  is  made  very 
useful.  I  am  quite  delighted  with  the  improvement  in  Char- 
lotte Town.  We  were  there  last  week,  and  formed  a  Mission- 
ary Society.  The  people  begin  to  inquire  about  the  best 
things,  and  by  the  collection  which  was  made  at  the  doors,  you 
will  see  that  there  is  a  desire  of  doing  something  towards  the 
spread  of  the  gospel.  Leopold's  Town  appears  to  be  asleep  as 
usual.  Charlotte  is  only  half  a  mile  from  Leopold,  but  not  a 
single  individual  attended  the  meeting  from  that  place. 

'  We  had  a  Missionary  prayer-meeting  this  week  here,  (not 
the  monthly  one  which  is  public,  but  a  meeting  only  for  Mis- 
sionaries, and  such  as  are  asked  to  attend  or  wish  to  come,) 
Messrs.  During,  Decker,  Taylor,  and  myself,  only  were  present 
of  the  Missionaries.  I  trust  Ave  found  it  good.  I  am  sorry  to 
say  that  our  church  is  in  a  bad  state,  I  am  afraid  that  it  will 
not  stand.  We  are  repairing  it  now,  and  intend  to  finish  it  as 
well  as  we  can.  I  asked  his  Excellency  to  build  another,  and 
use  the  present  one  for  other  purposes  when  another  is  finished. 
He  gave  me  no  decided  answer. 

'  The  schools  are  going  on  well.  The  evening  school  espe- 
cially, makes  good  progress.  I  am  indeed,  delighted  to  attend 
for  no  weariness  is  perceived  ;  all  is  pleasure,  which  makes  it 
to  me  a  delightful  season.  Scholars  assist  continually  ;  Mr. 
Bull  assists  and  takes  an  active  part. 

'A  vessel  has  arrived  from  America  with  settlers.  They 
intend  to  settle  on  the  Sherbro.  Three  clergymen  are  the  agents. 
I  saw  two  of  them,  who  appeared  very  respectable  and  pious 
men.     May  God  accompany  them  with  his  blessing. 

'  Now,  my  dear  Sirs,  farewell.     Bear  always  upon  your  mind 

9 


206  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

at  a  throne  of  grace,  the  man  that  writes  this,  who  is  sometimes 
encouraged,  and  then  again  discouraged  ;  sometimes  upon  the 
mount,  sometimes  very  low  in  tlie  valley.  Oh !  pray  that  he 
might  be  kept  by  the  Almighty  power  of  God,  and  led  into  all 
truth  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  may  give  all  the  glory  to  Father, 
Son,  and  Holy  Ghost. 

'  My  sister  is  recovering  from  a  severe  fever.  I  think  she  is 
now  prepared  to  meet  the  rains.  Mrs.  Johnson,  who  enjoys 
good  health,  joins  me  in  Christian  affection  to  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Pratt,  and  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bickersteth. 

'  Your  ever  faithful  servant, 

'  W.  Johnson.' 


JRev.  W.  Johnson  to  the  Secretaries. 

♦Regent's  Town,  May  5th,  1820. 
'  Rev.  and  dear  Sirs, 

'  I  wrote  to  you  last  in  the  latter  end  of  March,  I  now  enclose 
my  journal  up  to  the  first  of  May.  The  rainy  and  unhealthy 
season  is  now  fast  approaching.  We  have  had  one  or  two  tor- 
nados almost  every  night,  and  with  them  much  sickness,  and 
more  so  at  this  place  than  any  other  town,  for  which  I  cannot 
account.  Mr.  Bull  has  recovered,  but  is  very  weak  and  languid. 
My  sister  had  a  very  severe  attack,  but  through  the  mercy  of 
God,  is  free  from  fever  now.  Mrs.  Johnson  is  better  than  could 
be  expected:  I  myself  am  very  low  spirited,  I  do  not  recollect 
that  I  have  ever  been  in  such  a  low  state  before.  But  all  must 
be  well.  I  know  we  are  all  "  immortal  till  our  work  is  done," 
I  therefore  leave  all  in  the  hands  of  my  dear  Saviour. 

'  You  will  see  by  the  journal  that  the  great  work  which  our 
Jehovah  has  begun  is  still  proceeding.  There  are  now  nine- 
teen candidates  for  baptism,  whom  I  instruct  once  or  twice  a 
week  for  that  ordinance  and  the  Lord's  Supper.  I  trust  they 
are  partakers  of  grace  ;  I  have  been  as  careful  in  examining 
them  as  I  am  able.  There  are  about  as  many  more,  whom  I 
have  not  examined  yet.     Amongst  those  nineteen  candidates  I 


LETTERS.  207 

am  glad  to  sa}',  are  two  of  the  institution  boys,  who  have  come 
from  Leicester  Mountain.  I  think  there  is  in  general,  a  great 
change  for  the  better  amongst  the  boys  in  the  Seminary.  The 
boy  Henry  Card,  (the  only  one  admitted  from  our  school  who 
was  not  a  communicant)  is  also  among  the  candidates.  The 
late  Mr.  Gates  sent  him  a  dying  message,  which  was  the  means 
of  the  boy's  conversion. 

'  John  Johnson  (who  wrote  to  me  -when  in  London)  took 
refuge  at  Cape  Shilling  during  my  absence,  but  when  I  returned, 
wrote  me  several  letters,  begging  very  earnestly  to  be  admitted 
as  a  scholar  in  the  Seminary.  As  he  was  bound  apprentice  to 
Government,  I  applied  to  his  Excellency,  who  granted  the  re- 
quest, but  not  quite  w^illingly.  However,  John  is  now  pursuing 
his  studies  in  the  Seminary. 

'  We  have  been  more  free,  of  late,  from  the  Europeans  coming 
on  Sundays  to  disturb  us.  Once  they  came  and  made  many 
compliments,  after  they  had  walked  about  the  place.  I  told 
them  I  was  glad  to  see  them  at  any  time,  but  was  exceedingly 
sorry  to  see  them  break  the  Lord's  day.  They  did  not  answer 
anything,  but  one  complained  much  of  my  young  horse,  which 
came  out  of  the  meadow  and  kicked  his  horse.  Mr.  Bull  being 
present,  said,  the  horse  was  very  religious,  and  did  not  like  to 
see  gentlemen  break  the  Sabbath.  They  made  a  good  many 
excuses,  and  went  away,  and  have  not  come  since. 

'I  am  sorry  to  say  that  the  Americans,  who  have  lately  set; 
tied  at  the  Sherbro,  are  in  a  wretched  condition.  They  have 
scarcely  any  houses  to  live  in,  and  are  most  of  them  ill.  A 
great  number  have  already  died,  amongst  whom  is  Rev.  W. 
Bacon,  whom  I  saw  at  Freetown.  I  believe  that  the  settlers 
have  lost  their  father. 

'  Thus,  my  dear  sirs,  I  have  stated  to  you  some  particulars 
which  have  entered  into  my  mind.  May  the  God  of  Abraham, 
of  Isaac,  and  Jacob,  be  with  you,  and  prosper  you  in  all  your 
undertakings.  We  continue  to  remember  you  and  the  whole 
Society,  at  the  throne  of  grace,  as  I  am  fully  persuaded  you 
continue  to  do  in  our  behalf.     By  the  time  you  receive  this,  we 


208  MEMOIR    OF   JOIIXSOX. 

shall  be  in  the  midst  of  rains,  and  in  the  midst  of  jeopardy, — 
perhaps,  no  more  in  the  flesh.  But  come  what  will,  we  are  in 
the  Lord's  hands.  "  The  Lord  is  my  Shepherd,  I  shall  not 
want."  Oh,  that  I  may  but  be  useful  while  here  below !  May 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  but  be  glorified  ;  then,  whether  we  live 
or  die,  all  is  well. 

'  I  remain,  &c. 

*  W.  Johnson.' 

May  6. — 'I  am  very  unwell  with  the  fever;  Mrs.  Johnson 
also.' 

Hev.  W.  Johnson  to  the  Secretaries. 

'  Regent,  May  20,  1820. 
'  Rev.  akd  dear  Sirs, 

'  When  I  closed  my  last  parcel,  I  had  the  fever :  and  I  be- 
lieve I  mentioned  it  at  the  end  of  the  letter.  I  must  confess 
that  I  expected  a  severe  attack,  having  been  to  Europe ; 
I  thought  the  first  fever  would  be  severe.  However,  I  am  glad 
to  say,  I  had  only  three  hours  of  the  fever.  It  was  on  a  Satur- 
day, but  I  was  enabled,  by  the  mercy  of  God,  to  preach  twice 
on  the  Lord's  day  following,  and  administer  the  Lord's  Supper 
to  all  the  communicants,  except  the  sick.  I  have  been  since  far 
better  than  before.  My  wife  was  again  attacked  the  same  day, 
a,x\^  has  had  a  narrow  escape.  She  is  now  slowly  recovering. 
My  sister  has  the  fever  yet,  but  is  somewhat  better  to-day.  Mr. 
Bull  has  been  ill,  and  is  now  for  a  change  at  Gloucester.  Mr. 
During  writes  this  morning,  that  he  is  much  better.  Thus  you 
see,  Africa  does  not  improve  in  respect  to  health  ;  but  let  us 
still  wait,  for  we  shall  see  the  salvation  of  the  Lord.  He  will 
perform  all  his  pleasure.  He  is  the  Lord,  let  him  do  what 
seemeth  him  good. 

'  I  fear  T  shall  be  deprived  of  Mr.  Bull's  assistance  :  should 
he  have  many  more  attacks,  I  think  he  will  return  home.  He 
is  much  reduced,  and  therefore  much  depressed  in  spirits.  Yet 
I  know  that  while  one  is  taken  on  the  right,  and  another  on 


LETTERS.  209 

tbe  left,  Ethiopia  shall  yet  stretch  forth  her  hands  unto  God. 
Pray  for  us.     If  ever  a  mission  was  afflicted,  I  think  it  is  this. 

'  I  am  happy  to  say  that  we  are  much  attached  to  each 
other,  (I  mean  the  Missionaries,)  more  so  than  has  ever  been 
the  case  in  Africa  ;  and  I  hope,  whenever  others  come  to  join 
us,  that  they  will  be  peace-makers,  and  not  filled  with  self,  and 
so  envy  the  success  of  their  fellow-labourers.  The  monthly 
prayer-meeting  joins  our  hearts.  We  had  the  last  at  Mr. 
Flood's  house.  Mr.  Nylander,  I  believe,  would  be  present,  but 
his  infirmities  are  great.  His  spirit  is  willing,  but  the  flesh 
weak. 

'  The  work  of  the  Lord  is  proceeding  as  usual.  I  have  di- 
vided the  candidates  into  two  classes.  The  first  class  I  instruct 
every  Friday  evening,  and  the  second,  every  Wednesday  even- 
ing. The  number  is  twenty- three.  I  should  have  baptized 
them  to-morrow,  as  it  is  Whit-Sunday,  but  I  wish  to  examine 
them  before  the  whole  congregation,  for  which  they  are  not 
quite  ready. 

'  The  last  report  which  I  gave  to  his  Excellency,  of  our 
schools,  is  as  follows  : — 

'Boys,  65. — Girls,  64. — Men,  189. — Women,  83.— Students 
in  Seminary,  25. — Domestics  in  Seminary,  5.     Total,  431. 

'  D.  Noah  is  still  increasing  in  usefulness.  He  is  indeed  a 
valuable  assistant  to  me.  Tamba  and  Davis,  I  trust,  have  been 
made  useful  ta  some  of  the  people  at  Leicester  Mountain.  One 
man  from  that  place  attended  the  Lord's  Supper  here  last 
ordinance  Sunday. 

'  An  awful  circumstance  occurred  last  Wednesday.  Mr.  Le- 
fevre,  the  Commissary  General,  went  to  shoot  deer.  A  Kroo- 
man  who  did  not  please  him,  was  struck  by  him  with  the  butt 
end  of  his  gun,  when  it  went  oft',  and  the  contents  lodged  in 
Mr.  Lefevre's  left  breast,  and  killed  him.     An  awful  warning ! 

'  Excuse  me  writing  so  much,  but  allovv  me  to  say,  that  it 
aflfords  me  much  pleasure  and  comfort.  When  I  sit  by  myself, 
(having  no  one  to  converse  with,  and  being  sick,)  and  can 


210  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

write  to  you,  I  feel  as  if  I  was  in  your  company,  the  remeni- 
braDce  of  which  is  refreshing. 

'  I  am,  &c., 

'  W.  JoiINSOX.' 

The  journal  above  alluded  to,  shall  here  be  given:  — 

^  March  11,  1820.  At  the  usual  meeting  a  carpenter  boy 
stood  up  and  said,  "  When  I  in  my  country,  the  king  die,  then 
the  headman  got  plenty  slaves  to  kill  them,  because  that  be 
the  fashion  of  lliat  country,  when  the  king  die  they  kill  plenty 
slaves.  Me  be  slave,  but  I  no  belong  to  the  king.  I  belong 
to  another  man.  Then  my  master  take  me  and  carry  me  to 
that  place  where  they  went  to  kill  the  people,  he  say.  That 
boy  no  good.  I  will  change  him  for  one  of  them  Avomen  that 
they  going  to  kill.  He  go  and  take  me,  and  I  come  to  the 
place.  I  see  two  houses  full  of  slaves  which  they  going  to  kill, 
and  my  master  change  me  for  one  woman,  and  they  put  me 
amongst  them  people  which  they  want  to  kill  for  that  king 
who  die.  Well,  I  stand — I  tremble — I  don't  know  what  to 
do.  By  and  by  a  headman  come  and  look  at  all  them  people. 
When  they  come  amongst  us,  I  look  them  sharp — they  no 
take  notice  of  me,  I  stand  close  by  the  door,  I  jump  out  and 
run  into  the  bush,  I  live  there  three  days.  I  eat  grass.  I 
hear  when  they  kill  them  people,  I  fear  too  much — they  cry — 
they  scream — oh  too  much  !  I  ran  out  of  the  bush,  and  ran 
to  another  country,  (town.)  The  people  in  that  country  catch 
me — they  tie  my  hand,  and  send  me  to  the  headman  of  ray 
country,  and  tell  him  they  catch  one  of  him  slaves.  The 
headman  send  two  people  to  fetch  me  back,  but  that  man  who 
catch  me  say,  he  no  let  me  go,  they  must  bring  some  cloth 
and  pay  him.  Well,  then,  two  men  go  back — they  say  they 
come  in  three  days  and  fetch  me.  The  day  came,  and  I  ex- 
pect they  come  and  fetch  me,  but  I  try  to  run  away  again,  and 
go  to  another  country.  The  people  in  that  country  caught  me 
again,  and  carry  me  out,  and  sell  me,  and  I  got  on  board  the 
ship;  English  ship  come  one  day  and  carry  us  here.     Now 


JOURNAL.  .'  211 

first  time,  I  think  I  do  all  this  by  my  own  strength,  but  this 
time  I  see  that  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  has  done  it.  He  has 
brought  me  here  by  his  power." 

'■March  12,  Sunday.  In  the  morning,  Mr.  Bull  read  the 
church  service,  and  I  preached  on  John  iii.  7.  In  the  after- 
noon, Mr.  Bull  kept  service,  and  I  went  to  Leopold  and  kept 
service  there,  Mr.  Renner  being  in  Freetown.  I  preached  on 
Matt.  vii.  21.  There  were  fewer  people  present  than  I  expected. 
In  the  evening,  I  preached  at  Regent's  Town  from  Acts  xix.  2. 

'  W.  Tamba  kept  service  at  Leicester,  and  Mr.  Davis  in  the 
hospital,  between  services.  The  boys  had  prayer-meeting  after 
evening  service. 

^  March  15.  Went  with  some  of  the  people  to  Charlotte, 
to  establish  a  Missionary  Society.  Was  much  delighted  with 
some  of  our  African  brethren  who  addressed  the  meeting.  W. 
Davis  addressed  his  country-people  in  their  native  language, 
which  pleased  us  much. 

March  19,  Sunday.  Mr.  Bull  performed  service  at  Leopold 
morning  and  afternoon.  I  preached  three  times  here.  In  the 
morning  from  Job  x.  1.  "My  soul  is  weary  of  my  life."  Not- 
withstanding the  heaviness  and  weariness  of  soul  and  body 
which  I  felt,  it  pleased  God  to  set  my  heart  at  liberty.  I 
think  I  never  saw  the  people  more  attentive.  Oh,  may  the 
Holy  Ghost  bless  the  word  which  was  spoken  in  very  great 
weakness !  In  the  afternoon,  I  spoke  on  Jonah  ii.  4  ;  and  the 
evening  on  Isa.  Ixii.  12.  The  Lord,  I  trust,  was  with  us  this 
day.  In  the  morning,  before  service,  I  was  ready  to  despair, 
but  in  the  evening,  I  was  full  of  joy  and  gladness.  May  the 
Lord  Jehovah  have  all  the  praise  and  glory. 

'■Easter  Sunday.  I  administered  the  Lord's  Supper  to  all 
the  communicants  except  the  sick.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Taylor  and 
Miss  Bouffler,  besides  our  family,  were  present.  In  the  even- 
ing I  preached  a  funeral  sermon  on  the  death  of  George  Paul, 
from  Heb.  ix.  27.  The  church  was  very  much  crowded,  and 
all  were  remarkably  attentive.     May  God  give  the  increase.' 


212  MEMOIR    OF   JOHNSON. 

Of  this  youth  Mr.  Johnson  sent  home  the  following  account : 

*  George  Paul  arrived  in  Regent's  Town  from  the  hold  of  a 
slave-vessel  in  1815.  Having  staid  there  a  little  while,  he 
went,  about  the  time  of  my  arrival,  to  live  \vith  a  settler  in 
Freetown.  He  came  hack  again,  in  the  beginning  of  1817; 
and  earnestly  begged  me  to  take  him  into  the  school.  Being 
almost  naked,  I  clothed  and  admitted  him.  Soon  after,  a 
tailor  was  sent  to  Regent's  Town,  by  his  Excellency  the  Gover- 
nor; and  Paul  was  put  as  apprentice  to  him.  Being  a  boy 
who  had  very  little  connection  with  his  country-people,  I  took 
him,  with  several  more,  to  sleep  in  my  house,  having  no  other 
place  to  lodge  them  in. 

'In  1818,  I  found  that  George  Paul,  and  two  more  of  the 
boys  that  slept  in  my  house,  became  full  of  serious  thoughts. 
One  of  them  soon  after  died,  and  I  believe  is  »ow  with  George, 
to  whom  he  was  much  attached,  in  unchanging  happiness  and 
glory.  George  and  the  surviving  boy  were  examined  by  me 
several  times  ;  and,  having  no  doubt  but  that  the  grace  of  God 
had  begun  a  good  work  in  their  hearts,  I  baptized  them  on 
Christmas  Day,  1818. 

'  From  this  time,  George  walked  steadfastly  with  his  God  and 
Saviour.  He  was  never  known  to  give  way  to  the  least  indif- 
ference :  but,  wherever  he  went,  or  when  at  work,  would 
always  speak  to  those  about  him  on  the  things  concerning  their 
peace  ;  and  would  exhort  them,  especially  those  of  his  own  age, 
to  turn  from  their  wicked  ways.  This  youth  was  thus  made 
instrumental  to  the  conversion  of  several  others,  who  are  now 
communicants,  and  walk  worthy  of  their  high  calling. 

'  A  little  before  he  Avas  admitted  as  a  communicant,  he 
stirred  up  his  companions  to  prayer  :  in  this  he  saceeeded,  in 
September  or  early  in  October,  1818.  Standing  myself  in  a 
place  where  I  could  not  be  perceived,  I  overheard  his  prayer : 
it  was  short,  hut  very  impressive  :  he  prayed  much  for  the  grace 
of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  for  forgiveness  of  sins  tluougli  the  blood 
of  Christ. 


GEORGE    PAUL.  213 

'During  the  rains  of  1819,  he  caught  a  severe  cold,  which 
brought  him  to  the  grave.  His  lungs  were  so  much  affected, 
that  all  medical  assistance  proved  in  vain.  He  tore  his  afflic- 
tion with  great  patience  and  resignation  ;  and  expected  to  die 
from  the  first  of  his  illness, 

'  When  I  returned  to  Regent's  Town,  in  the  beginning  of 
February,  1820,  I  missed  him  among  those  who  welcomed  me. 
I  inquired  the  cause,  and  was  told  that  he  was  ill.  On  going 
to  see  him,  I  found  him  much  reduced  ;  but  he  appeared,  in 
every  respect,  resigned  to  the  will  of  his  Heavenly  Father,  hav- 
ing his  hope  fixed  on  the  Rock  of  Ages.  I  suggested  to  Mr. 
Bull,  who  was  present,  that  if  he  were  placed  under  his  care  in 
the  Seminary,  he  might,  perhaps,  recover,  and  be  instructed  for 
a  teacher  of  his  countrymen.  Mr.  Bull  readily  agreed  ;  and 
George  seemed  to  get  quite  alive,  when  he  heard  the  proposal. 
He  was  then  removed :  his  strength  appeared  to  return  ;  and, 
in  a  few  days,  he  was  able  to  walk  about  again.  But  our 
thoughts  are  not  God's  thoughts,  nor  our  ways  His  ways :  we 
wished  to  make  George  a  teacher,  perceiving  an  excellent  spirit 
to  be  in  him ;  but  God  had  otherwise  designed.  Soon  after, 
he  became  ill  again ;  and  closed  the  time  of  his  pilgrimage  ou 
Sunday  morning,  the  2'7th  of  March,  1820,  being  about  sixteen 
years  of  age. 

'  George  was  visited,  during  his  illness,  by  many  of  the  com- 
municants. I  will  quote  some  of  the  accounts  which  they  have 
given  me  of  what  passed  on  these  occasions. 

'  The  friend  who  kept  him  in  his  house  during  his  illness, 
before  he  was  removed  to  the  seminary,  said  that  George  was 
indeed  a  lad  who  hved,  by  prayer,  upon  Jesus  Christ.  He 
would  always  beg  this  friend  to  pray  with  and  for  him  ;  and 
when  he  was  asked  how  he  felt  concerning  the  state  of  his  sou], 
he  would  answer,  "Nothing  but  the  blood  of  Jesus  can  do  me 
good  ;"  and  when  asked  if  he  liked  to  die,  he  would  say,  "  He 
is  God  !  let  him  do  as  He  likes  !" 

*A  student  in  the  seminary,  Avho  was  George's  intimate 
friend  and  companion  (both  were  admitted  together  as  commu- 

9* 


214  MEMOIR    OK    JOIIKSON*. 

nicants,  and  as  students  in  the  seminary)  said,  that  he  had  been 
benefited  much  by  George  Paul.  When  in  distress  of  mind, 
he  had  often  been  relieved  by  an  hour's  conversation  with 
George.  One  day,  after  they  had  entered  the  seminary,  Mr. 
Bull  being  at  Freetown,  the  boys  made  an  unusual  noise  : 
George  was  then  very  ill ;  but,  notwithstanding,  he  got  up  and 
staggered  to  the  door ;  and  said,  "  0  boys  !  you  fear  master 
more  than  God.  When  master  is  at  home  you  are  quiet ;  but 
now  master  is  not  at  home,  you  think  nobody  see  you.  0 ! 
remember  God  see  you  !"  This  reproof  had  a  great  effect  on 
the  minds  of  the  boys,  which  they  have  not  forgotten  to  this  day. 

'  To  a  friend  who  went  to  visit  him  a  few  days  before  he 
died,  George  said — "  I  think  my  time  is  now  come.  I  feel 
afraid  at  this  time  to  die  :  before,  I  was  not  afraid.  I  hope 
the  Lord  will  give  me  faith  to  believe  in  Him ;  for  nobody  can 
save  me  but  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ." 

'  Soon  after  two  others  saw  him,  when  he  said  —  "  I  am  happy 
that  I  am  sick,  and  going  to  die  :  Jesus  Christ  has  saved  my 
soul."  The)''  prayed  with  him  ;  and  lie  begged  one  of  them  to 
help  him  on  his  knees  to  pray.  He  was  told  that  he  could  pray 
lying  down,  as  well  as  on  his  knees ;  but  he  begged  again, 
saying, — "  I  want  to  pray  on  my  knees."  Tamba  held  him  in 
his  arms,  on  his  knees,  while  they  prayed. 

'  Another  friend,  who  visited  him  every  day,  saw  him  just 
before  he  died,  and  prayed  with  him.  Heconld  not  speak,  but 
appeared  quite  happy.  This  friend  confessed,  that  he  had  many 
times  been  comforted  by  George  Paul.  The  last  words  which 
George  spoke  were — "  I  am  liappy." 

'  A  similar  testimony  to  his  dying  faith,  and  patience  was 
borne  by  various  other  communicants,  who  constantly  visited 
him.  When  one  asked  him,  the  day  before  he  died,  how  he 
did,  he  replied — "  I  thank  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  he  hold  me 
fast !"  To  another  he  said — "  I  beg  you,  when  you  go  on  your 
knees,  pray  for  me."  When  asked,  by  another,  on  what  he 
depended,  being  now  about  to  depart,  he  answered — "  On 
nothing  but  the  blood  and  righteousness  of  Jesus  Christ." 


JOURNAL.  215 

*Mr.  Bull  gave  me  the  following  account. 

'  "  George  Paul  was  placed  under  my  charge  about  February 
11th,  1820.  He  came  to  the  seminary  in  a  rapid  decline: 
there  were,  however,  some  hopes  that  he  would  overcome  it,  or 
that  it  was  not  a  confirmed  disease.  I  ever  noticed  him,  since 
my  acquaintance  with  Regent's  Town,  as  a  serious  and  steady 
lad.  He  possessed  all  the  solidity  of  a  man  of  riper  years. 
His  attendance  on  public  ordinances,  I  ever  found  very  punc- 
tual ;  and  observed  him  always  the  foremost  to  promote  the 
real  good  of  those  of  his  own  age.  While  he  was  residing  at 
the  seminary,  he  bore  his  afSiction  like  one  who  had  received 
grace  to  exercise  patience.  When  he  began  to  alter  for  the 
worse,  I  conversed  with  him,  one  evening,  nearly  three  quar- 
ters of  an  hour.  He  had  the  most  scriptural  views  of  himself 
and  of  the  Gospel.  I  have  lost  a  valuable  scholar,  and  the 
Church  an  exemplary  and  useful  member." 

'  At  five  o'clock  in  the  evening  of  the  same  day  that  he  died, 
his  remains  were  interred.  He  was  respected  by  every  one: 
we  calculated  that  about  600  people  followed  the  corpse  to  the 
burying-ground.  On  Easter  Sunday  evening  I  preached  his 
funeral  sermon,  to  a  crowded  congregation,  from  Heb.  ix.  27. 

'Thus  another  African  is  gone  to  glory,  who  was  once  a 
slave,  both  in  spiritual  and  temporal  bondage.  What  hath 
God  wrought ! 

'  Our  joy  is  great,  when  we  behold  sinners  bend  beneath  the 
cross ;  but  still  greater,  when  we  behold  them  enter  into  ever- 
lasting glory,  through  the  blessed  Saviour. 

'  Receive  Thou,  O  great  Jehovah  !  all  the  praise  and  glory. 
Amen.' 

'■April  10.  Divine  service  as  usual  yesterday.  Mr.  Bull  went 
to  Wilberforce  to  see  how  Mr.  Decker  got  on. 

'  This  morning  a  communicant  came  to  me,  who  has  been  ill 
for  a  considerable  time,  and  does  not  get  better.  He  appears 
to  be  in  a  consumption,  and  expects  to  die  soon.     He  said  h© 


216  MEMOIR    OF   JOHNSON. 

had  read  the  parable  of  the  Ten  Virgins,  which  distressed  his 
mind  much.  He  wept  greatly,  and  said, — "  I  am  afraid  I  shall 
stand  like  the  five  foolish  women.  Oh,  if  I  was  sure  that  the 
Lord  Jesus  keep  me  in  the  time  when  I  die."  I  spoke  to  him 
as  God  enabled  me. 

^  April  11.  AVe  had  the  monthly  prayer-meeting  at  Char- 
lotte Town,  Messrs.  Garnsey,  Flood,  Renner,  During,  Bull, 
Taylor  and  myself  were  present, — also  Tamba  and  Noah.  I 
trust  we  all  experienced  the  presence  of  the  Lord. 

'  In  the  evening  I  examined  until  a  late  hour,  a  number  of 
people,  who  had  several  times  applied  for  baptism.  I  suppose 
there  were  fifty  in  the  house,  but  only  sixteen  received,  whom  I 
instruct  twice  a  week.     They  all  gave  clear  evidence  of  grace. 

*  April  14.  Instructed  the  candidates  for  baptism  this  even- 
ing in  my  room.  Questioned  them  on  the  fall  of  man,  redemp- 
tion by  Jesus  Christ,  the  Trinity,  Baptism  and  Lord's  Supper. 
Their  answers  were  very  satisfactory. 

*  April  16.  Divine  service  as  usual.  Had  the  bell  rung  half 
an  hour  sooner,  as  the  church  was  full  long  before.  One  of  the 
Churchwardens  came  to  me,  saying,  "  The  church  full,  massa, 
and  plenty  of  people  outside  who  can't  come  in.  What  must 
I  do  with  them  ?"  I  spoke  to  Mr.  Bull  about  it,  who  went  and 
put  some  into  the  gallery  where  the  Institution  boys  sit;  others 
were  obliged  to  keep  on  the  shady  side  of  the  church.  Mr. 
Bull  read  the  service,  and  I  preached  on  John  x.  9.  Afternoon 
Psalm  xxii.  30.  Evening  Matt.  xiv.  12.  The  boys  held  prayer 
meeting  in  the  church  and  were  joined  by  the  Institution  boys. 

'  April  23,  Sunday.  Divine  service  as  usual.  Preached  in 
the  morning  from  Ex.  xxxii.  26  ;  afternoon  2  Peter  iii.  18,  and 
evening  Luke  xii.  .32. 

'  Several  people  came  to  me  after  the  morning  and  afternoon 
services  who  were  much  alarmed  on  account  of  what  they  had 
heard  in  the  morning ;  and  while  I  endeavoured  to  comfort 
them,  the  text  on  which  I  spoke  in  the  evening  was  nuu-h  im- 
pressed upon  my  mind,  and  I  trust  that  both  speaker  and  hear- 
ers were  comforted.     May  the  blessed  Saviour  have  all  the 


JOURNAL.  217 

praise,  for  the  unspeakable  mercies  he  has  conferred  upon  us 
to-day. 

'  Mr.  Bull  went  on  Saturday  with  W.  Tamba,  and  W.  Vivah, 
to  Tongeh,  about  eight  miles  from  here,  inhabited  by  the  Sher- 
bro  people  to  spend  the  Lord's  day  there.  They,  however, 
returned  (having  performed  Divine  service  there  in  the  morn- 
ing,) to  Wilberforce,  addressing  on  their  way  there,  such  as 
they  found  scattered  in  the  farms.  In  the  evening  W.  Tamba 
addressed  the  people  at  Wilberforce,  in  the  English  and  Cosso 
languages,  much  to  the  satisfaction  of  Messrs.  Decker  and  Bull. 
W.  Davis  kept  Divine  service  at  Leicester  three  times.  D.  Noah 
addressed  the  boys  between  services,  and  P.  Hughes  had  prayer 
in  the  hospital. 

'  After  evening  service  the  school-boys  had  prayer,  under  the 
direction  of  D.  Noah,  and  were  joined  by  the  Institution  boys. 
Thus  the  Sabbath  was  spent  in  prayer  and  praise.  Oh,  may 
the  Holy  Ghost  more  and  more  impress  the  poor  Ethiopians 
with  the  best  things. 

'  A2}ril  30,  Sunday.  The  Tornado  which  we  had  last  night, 
has  made  us  all  unwell.  Mr.  Bull  complains  much  of  the  head- 
ache. My  sister  has  the  fever — my  wife  is  just  free  from  it. 
Two  of  my  servants  have  the  fever,  and  a  number  of  the  inhabit- 
ants. In  some  houses  both  man  and  wife  have  either  the 
bowel-complaint,  or  the  fever.  Moreover,  the  wind  had  an 
effect  upon  the  wood. 

'  I  felt  so  languid,  that  I  thought  I  should  not  be  able  to 
perform  service  ;  but  the  Lord  strengthened  me.  In  the  morn- 
ing I  preached  on  Jer.  xvii.  9  ;  afternoon,  Psalm  cxvi.  12  ;  and 
evening,  John  vii.  46. 

'  Before  I  went  to  the  church  in  the  evening,  I  felt  great 
symptoms  of  fever  :  but  while  preaching  to  a  full  church,  I  got 
into  a  perspiration,  which  relieved  me  much  ;  yea,  I  can  say,  I 
was  strengthened  both  in  body  and  soul.  Oh !  what  shall  I 
render  unto  the  Lord,  for  all  his  benefits  to  me  ? 

^  May  1.  Mr.  Bull  has  the  fever,  and  my  sister  has  it  very 
severely.     My  wife  has  had  no  relapse.     I  went  on  horseback 


218  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

to-day,  to  see  the  sick,  wliicli  arc  not  few.  I  was  not  able  to 
•walk.  I  was  happy  to  find  the  sick,  in  general,  much  resigned 
to  the  will  of  God.  One  man  said,  "  I  trust  I  am  one  of  his 
people,  and  as  I  am  his,  he  can  flog  me,  because,  when  a  man 
have  a  child,  and  that  child  do  bad,  he  flog  that  child  :  so  God 
flog  me,  because  me  do  bad.  Before,  when  some  people  sick 
a  little,  I  think  them  no  sick :  but  I  do  wrong  in  that.  Now 
I  am  sick,  God  show  me  this,  that  I  was  wrong,  and  he  show 
me  how  bad  me  be  this  time.  But  I  trust  in  Jesus  Christ,  he 
help  me."  One  complained  much  of  unbelief,  saying,  "I  am 
afraid  I  shall  die,  and  Jesus  Christ  has  not  washed  my  sins 
away,  my  heart  tell  me  so.  Oh,  massa,  me  'fraid  too  much, 
because  my  heart  full  of  sin."     Wept  much. 

'In  the  afternoon,  a  woman,  a  communicant,  died  suddenly 
in  cliild-bearing.    I  trust  she  is  gone  to  glory. 

'  In  the  evening,  we  had  the  monthly  Missionary  prayer-meet- 
ing. The  church  was  full.  Preached  on  Isaiah  xl.  5.  After 
Service,  the  people  paid  their  contributions,  which  amounted 
to  £3  15s.  2d. ; — more  than  ever  we  had  in  one  month  before. 

'  W.  Johnson.' 


CHAPTER  VIIL 

A.  D.  1820. 

Retrospect  by  one  of  the  Missionaries — Progress  of  the  Mission — Visit 
to  the  Banana  Islands, 

It  will  have  been  observed  by  the  reader,  that  during  Mr. 
Johnson's  visit  to  England,  the  state  of  Regent's  Town  had 
retrograded.  At  this  distance  of  time,  it  must  be  difficult 
accurately  to  point  out  the  causes  of  this  falling  off;  but  it  is 
clear  that  some  want  of  temper,  discretion,  and  administrative 
skill,  must  be  attributed  to  those  who  inadequately  filled  Mr. 
Johnson's  place  in  his  absence.  With  the  most  prominent  of 
these,  Mr.  Johnson  naturally  felt  dissatisfied,  and  he  was  with- 
drawn from  that  post  of  duty.  But,  among  the  records  of  the 
period,  at  the  Church  Missionary  House,  there  is  found  a  re- 
port made  by  this  missionary,  to  the  Committee,  on  his  return 
home,  which  evidently  possesses  this  great  value,  that  it  cannot 
be  supposed  to  have  been  dictated  by  any  feelings  of  personal 
attachment  to  Mr.  Johnson,  but  rather  emanates  from  one 
whom  circumstances  had  in  some  degree  alienated  from  him. 
It  will  be  seen,  accordingly,  that  no  allusion  is  made  to  Mr. 
Johnson  himself.  But  the  testimony  borne  to  the  reality  of 
his  work  and  its  results,  is  of  the  most  valuable  kind. 

Mr.  T.  Morgan  to  the  Secretary. 


'  I  had  in  England  read,  heard,  and  thought  much  on  the 
African  character,  or  rather  given  into  some  prejudices  against 
the  mental  endowments  of  the  negroes,  and  leaning  rather 
still  to  the  side  of  uncharitableness.  On  my  arrival,  I  resolved 
to  study  as  much  as  possible,  a  particular  acquaintance  with 


220  MEMOIR    OF    JOHXSO.V. 

their  private  tlioughts :  and  I  now  find,  from  summing  up  the 
various  occurrences  wiiicb  I  have  myself  witnessed,  you  have 
reason  to  adore  God,  for  suflering  you  to  open  a  door,  tlirough 
which  the  light  of  the  sun  of  righteousness  is  now  spreading 
its  influence  over  the  whole  country  of  Ethiopia. 

'  No  blame  can  attach  itself  to  any  missionary  or  superin- 
tendent, for  not  becoming  acquainted  with  every  occurrence 
which  happens  among  the  negroes  entrusted  to  their  care. 
Their  labours,  were  they  to  do  nothing  more  than  absolute 
duty,  and  what  the  world,  indifi'erent  to  the  people's  eternal 
interests,  would  expect,  are  truly  great,  difficult,  and  arduous ; 
and  if  with  your  departed  servant,*  I  visited  the  members  of 
each  family  separately,  it  was  to  gratify  my  own  inclination, 
and  to  try  the  ground  of  those  faults  so  often  assigned  to  pro- 
fessing Christian  negroes.  Faults  and  crimes  were  found,  and 
many  were  great,  but  none  surpassed ;  nor  did  they  equal  the 
state  of  the  towns  of  the  same  size,  and  which,  for  centuries, 
have  heard  and  read  the  gospel  in  England.  This  is  a  proof 
that  African  towns,  (I  speak  especially  of  Rt'gent's  Town,)  are 
superior  to  the  towns  of  England,  in  moral  and  religious  con- 
duct ;  and  if  we  take  into  view  the  short  period  since  civiliza- 
tion began  here,  we  may  say,  it  is  a  light  to  the  people  of 
Britain.  They  who  in  Africa  have  sat  in  darkness,  have  seen 
a  great  light,  and  it  hath  shined  into  their  hearts. 

'  I  have  mentioned  in  former  letters  the  ultimate  success 
which  attended  my  exertions  in  Freetown  schools.  I  have 
seen  there  Dr.  Bell's  remark  verified.  A  child  of  any  ability 
may,  with  facility,  proceed  from  reading  the  alphabet,  to  the 
reading  of  the  Bible,  in  four  months."  This  leads  me  to  offer 
a  remark  on  the  ability  of  the  negroes.  If  I  can  recollect  my 
own  at  an  early  period  of  life,  their's  is  as  far  superior  as  one 
child  need  wish  to  be  to  another.  A  strong  barrier  this,  for 
those  to  conquer,  who  think  them  only  fit  to  labour  for  the 
gratification  of  their  owners.     I  wish  every  heart  which  under- 

•  Mr.  Gates. 


TESTIMONY    OF    ONE    OF    THE    MISSIONARIES.  221 

values  the  character  of  these  poor  heathen,  could  have  visited 
them  with  me,  have  seen  their  hibours  of  love,  and  imitated 
their  zeal  for  religion. 

'  Soon  after  my  arrival  at  Regent's  Town,  Mrs.  Morgan  and 
myself  wei-e  both  seized  with  the  fever,  in  which  we  were  ten- 
derly and  unceasingly  watched  by  the  children  around  us.  As 
I  often  suffered  much  in  my  head,  and,  I  believed,  frequently 
manifested  it  by  contortion  of  countenance,  a  boy,  who  had 
attached  himself  to  me,  from  his  first  entering  the  colony,  and 
whom  I  kept  constantly  about  me,  sat  for  several  hours  in  the 
night,  holding  my  head,  and  bathing  it  with  vinegar;  and 
"when  I  dropped  asleep,  covering  it  from  cold,  or  wiping  away 
the  drops  of  perspiration.  No  affection,  I  think,  in  a  Christian 
land,  would  surpass  this. 

'One  morning  in  the  month  of  June,  and  during  Mrs.  Mor- 
gan's indisposition,  brother  Gates  and  myself  being  engaged 
as  -was  our  custom  at  breakfast,  in  reading  Milner's  Church 
History,  we  were  alarmed  by  feeble  cries  of  "  Massa,  massa, 
fire  live  here!"  I  went  immediately  to  the  adjoining  room, 
and  found  the  fianjes  issuing  through  the  crevices  of  the  floor. 
Brother  Cates  followed,  and  with  his  usual  self-possession  and 
calmness,  said,  "We  will  remove  this  child,"  (who  was  lying 
sick  in  the  room,)  "  and  Mrs.  Morgan  ; — and  God  will  assist  us 
to  get  the  fire  under."  This  we  accordingly  did,  and  by  the 
application  of  wet  blankets,  soon  confined,  and  at  last  extin- 
guished the  fire. 

'  We  were  much  struck  with  the  integrity  of  the  people. 
In  their  anxiety  to  save  as  much  as  possible,  almost  every  arti- 
cle was  removed.  In  the  confusion,  many  things  were  scat- 
tered about  the  yard  ;  not  one  article,  however,  even  the  most 
trifling,  was  lost ;  but  all  were  brought  again  to  the  house,  and 
fixed  in  their  proper  places.  A  boy,  who  had  got  possession 
of  the  box  which  contained  the  money  for  paying  the  mecha- 
nics and  labourers,  was  found  in  the  garden,  parading  with  the 
box  under  his  arm,  and  guarding  it,  though  unnecessarily,  with 
a  drawn  cutlass  in  liis  hand. 


222  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

'  I  was  struck,  during  a  fire  which  broke  out  in  our  house, 
with  the  sudden  disappearance  of  the  women,  who,  at  the 
commencement,  almost  filled  the  house.  On  inquir}^  I  found 
that  they  had  retired  to  the  church,  to  offer  up  their  prayers 
unto  God.  What  but  a  Divine  influence  could  draw  them  to 
God  in  this  trial,  to  ask  His  blessing  on  the  exertions  of  those 
employed  ? 

'  While  we  were  replacing  the  books  which  had  been  scat- 
tered on  this  occasion,  two  of  the  girls  came  to  us.  I  asked 
what  was  wanted  :  "  Nothing,  massa,"  was  the  reply ;  "  but 
we  come  tell  you,  God  hear  every  time  somebody  go  talk 
him."  "How,  ray  child,"  said  I,  "do  you  know  that  God 
hears  His  people  when  they  pray  ?"  She  said,  "  Massa  !  when 
fire  come  this  morning,  I  sabby  your  house  no  burn  too  much. 
Every  morning  I  hear  you  and  Mr.  Gates,  and  you  pray  God 
keep  this  house,  and  all  them  girls  and  boys  what  live  here ; 
and  when  fire  come,  I  say  to  Sarah,  '  Ah  !  God  plenty  good  : 
He  heard  what  massa  say  to  Him  this  morning :  He  no  let 
this  house  burn  too  much.' "  What  a  reproof  did  1  feel  this  ! 
I  knew  how  often  my  heart  was  indifferent  while  I  asked  for 
these  mercies ;  and  I  trust  it  made  me  more  anxious  to  urge 
the  duty  of  family  prayer  on  others  more  earnestly.  Soon 
after,  the  same  girls  mentioned  their  desire  for  one  of  the  elder 
girls  to  pray  with  the  scliool-children,  before  they  went  to  bed, 
and  when  they  rose  in  the  morning. 

'  Scarcely  an  event  occurs  but  what  they  notice  as  springing 
from  the  over-ruling  providence  of  God.  Taught  of  God,  they 
mark  the  painful  events  of  His  providence,  as  children  would 
mark  the  dealings  of  a  fiither.  After  the  death  of  Mr.  Gates, 
I  have  frequently  heard  their  expressions  of  sorrow  for  sin,  and 
acknowledgments  of  God's  justice  in  punishing  them.  They 
have  used  such  language  as  this: — "We  have  done  something 
very  bad — God  is  very  angry  :  He  is  removing  all  our  teachers 
— by  and  bye  nobody  will  be  left  to  tell  us  good.  We  must 
pray,  dear  brothers  and  sisters  :  we  must  look  into  our  own 
hearts — some  bad  live  there."     Similar  occurrences  in  England 


TESTIMONY    OF    ONE    OF    THE    MISSIONARIES.  223 

would  have  passed,  perhaps,  unheeded  by  the  greater  part  of 
professing  Cliristians. 

'  How  many  candlesticks  spreading  around  them  the  light  of 
truth,  and  reflecting  the  rays  of  Him  who  fed  their  lustre  by 
His  own  incomprehensible  glory,  are  removed  from  the  con- 
gregation where  Jesus  had  planted  them,  without  giving  rise  to 
the  thought,  "  God  is  angry  with  us  for  sin."  What  has  not 
our  God  permitted  your  Society  to  do  already  ?  What  a  call 
to  go  forward  and  increase  in  the  work  ! 

'  No  day  passed,  when  I  was  capable  of  taking  exercise, 
without  my  entering  some  of  the  huts  around  us.  Visiting 
unexpectedly,  as  I  often  did,  the  families  of  all  classes  of  the 
communicants,  I  could  not  be  deceived  as  to  their  actual  con- 
dition. ^ 

'I  have  found  many  commendably  employed  in  agriculture. 
I  believe  the  Society  are  apt  to  conceive  that  a  cultivated  farm 
or  garden  in  Africa  must  resemble  the  same  thing  in  England, 
which  it  does  not.  I  have  often  myself  drawn  too  strong  a  line 
of  comparison  between  the  two.  Agriculture  is,  among  many, 
especially  those  on  whose  hearts  we  trust  the  dew  of  God's 
grace  is  continually  descending,  flourishing. 

'  Many  of  the  gardens  are  kept  in  very  neat  order,  though 
most  of  the  owners  have  but  little  leisure  to  devote  to  this 
employment.  I  have  frequently  known  the  whole  of  the  time 
allowed  for  dinner,  spent,  by  both  husband  and  wife,  in  fencing, 
digging,  or  planting  the  little  spot  of  ground  attached  to  each 
dwelling. 

'  Decency  and  cleanliness  manifest  the  diligence  of  those  who 
live  under  the  power  of  religion.  Their  time  is,  indeed,  so 
well  occupied,  that,  in  cases  where  they  can  read,  they  may  be 
frequently  seen,  at  leisure  moments,  with  some  friends  around 
them,  searching  the  word  of  life :  and  these  little  respites  from 
labour  are  often  made  a  blessing  to  the  whole  town ;  as  the 
.sick,  the  careless,  the  backsliding,  and  the  profane,  are  not 
seldom  visited,  instructed,  warned,  comforted,  and  relieved,  at 
these  seasons,  by  their  zealous  brethren. 


224  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

'The  Christian  negroes  shew  a  strong  attachment  to  the 
simplest  views  of  religion*.  I  began  some  explanation,  as  plain 
as  possible,  in  successive  evenings,  of  the  Lord's  Pra3'er.  It 
pleased  God  graciously  to  bless  these  words  to  the  people. 
They  made  the  most  practical  use  of  them.  A  display  of  an 
unholy  temper  would  receive  a  reproof — "If  God  your  Father, 
that  be  no  like  his  child."  Some  said  that  they  needed,  indeed, 
such  a  father — others,  such  daily  bread.  Some  thought  God 
could  not  be  their  Father,  because  they  did  not  feel  sufficient 
desires  that  his  kingdom  should  come  among  their  country- 
people  ;  and  others  felt  that  they  were  rebellious  children,  for 
not  doing  his  will  on  earth  more,  as  it  was  done  in  heaven. 
Some  wept,  to  think  how  he  delivered  them  from  temptation 
and  evil :  and  all,  I  believe,  burned  with  love,  to  ascribe  to  him 
the  kingdom  of  his  love,  the  power  of  his  Spirit,  and  the  glory 
of  their  salvation.. 

'  I  was  obliged,  by  the  pressing  requests  of  the  people,  to 
repeat  these  explanations  four  or  five  times;  and  resolved  in 
future  to  know  nothing  and  to  speak  of  nothing  among  the 
negroes,  but  the  plainest  words  of  the  Redeemer.  How  much 
better  calculated  his  language  is  than  any  other,  to  reach  the 
heart,  maybe  judged  of  by  this  instance,  out  of  many. 

'  How  much  may  be  gained  by  the  simplicity,  or  rather 
sublimity  of  the  gospel,  I  never  knew  before.  The  work  in 
which  the  missionary  engages,  must  be  the  work  of  Jesus,  for 
he  suits  and  opens  every  capacity  to  receive  heavenly  manna. 

'  But  there  was  another  reason  which  tended  to  render  this 
subject  useful.  I  had  it  frequently  read  before  I  spoke  on  it ; 
which  proves  how  rapidly,  under  God's  blessing,  the  knowledge 
of  the  Gospel  must  increase,  if  the  soil  Avherein  the  grain  is 
cast  were  more  cultivated  and  manured  by  acquaintance  with 
the  Bible.  Difficulties,  I  know  are  great,  and  the  man  who 
goes  as  a  school-master  to  labour  among  the  heathen,  must 
expect  many  trials  on  earth.  However  the  comprehension  of 
the  minds  of  the  Africans  may  be  ridiculed,  I  have  found  them, 
though  needing  cultivation,  far  from  barren.     The  finer  feelings 


TESTIMOKY    OF    ONE    OF    THE    MISSIONARIES.  225 

of  the  soul  in  the  attachment  of  these  people  to  their  instructors, 
families  and  friends,  are  equal  to  the  sons  and  daughters  of  the 
princes  of  Europe. 

'  How  eminently  the  Gospel  shines  in  the  conduct  of  the 
people,  and  how  strikingly  its  influence  is  manifested,  no  one 
can  possibly  conjecture  but  those  who  have  been  eye-witnesses. 
I  have  frequently  experienced  myself,  and  seen  experienced  by 
different  superintendents,  the  most  docile  and  tractable  disposi- 
tions. 

'  On  the  disbanding  of  the  West  India  regiments  sent  to  the 
colony  for  that  purpose,  a  natural  degree  of  affectionate  feeling 
was  excited  in  the  breasts  of  the  negroes  to  see  them.  These 
regiments  had  been,  several  years  before,  formed  of  liberated 
negroes ;  and  many  of  the  people  were  expecting  to  find 
parents,  brothers  and  friends  among  them.  The  feelings  of 
glowing  hope  were  strongly  delineated  in  almost  every  coun- 
tenance. When,  in  the  evening,  intelligence  arrived  that  on 
the  following  morning  the  troops  would  be  permitted  to  land, 
after  evening  prayer,  it  became  a  matter  of  general  conversa- 
tion. Some  were  looking  forward  with  hope  ;  while  their  joy 
cast  a  cloud  over  the  faces  of  others,  whose  friends  had  been 
murdered  in  different  skirmishes  when  they  themselves  were 
enslaved.  In  the  morning,  at  prayer,  the  church  was  particu- 
larly full ;  and  a  few  words  were  spoken  on  the  danger  to 
which  a  Christian  was  exposed  when  running  into  temptation, 
and  some  desire  intimated  that  none  would  visit  Freetown  that 
day.  I  gave  this  intimation  against  my  own  feelings  ;  for  I 
thought  their  wishes  laudable,  though  I  feared  the  consequen- 
ces which  might  arise  from  gratifying  them.  In  the  course  of 
an  hour  after,  an  old  and  faithful  Christian  came  to  tell  me  that 
his  brother  was  come  among  the  soldiers.  "  Well,"  said  I, 
"  and  do  you  wish  to  see  him  ?"  "  Yes,  Massa  !  I  want  to  look 
him,  but  I  no  want  to  go  to-day."  "  Well,"  I  replied,  "  I  want 
■  to  send  to  Freetown :  if  you  can  find  another  communicant, 
who  wishes  to  go  and  see  the  soldiers,  I  wnll  send  you  down." 
After  a  search  of  near  two  hours,  he  returned  with,  "  Well 


226  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

massa,  me  no  find  one  that  want  to  go :  all  tbem  people  what 
be](yijg  to  ehurcli  think 'tis  no  good  for  them  to  run  wliere  God  pay 
temptation  live."  Two  days  elapsed  before  this  poor  fellow, 
whose  heart  was  full  of  aftection  to  his  brother,  went  to  Freetown 
to  see  him.  I  singled  him  out  as  a  fit  object  of  reward  ;  and 
having  mentioned  the  subject  to  the  Governor,  that  father  of 
the  liberated  negroes,  anticipating  my  request,  promised,  and 
kept  his  promise,  that  the  brothers  should  liave  the  privilege  of 
living  together. 

'  I  know  of  many  similar  instances,  but  this  one  struck  me 
much.  I  thought  it  an  example  worthy  of  imitation  ;  and  was 
fully  convinced,  that  while  I  had  known  the  Gospel  longer,  I  had 
obeyed  it  less. 

'  You  must  think  that  more  than  according  to  the  labours  of 
the  Society  God  has  blessed.  The  church  has  much  reason  to 
take  up  David's  exclamation,  and  say,  "  Bless  the  Lord,  O  my 
soul,  and  forget  not  all  his  benefits."  There  are,  as  must  be 
expected,  many  errors  in  large  towns,  but  the  good  which  has 
been  done  in  Africa,  neither  we  nor  the  generations  to  come 
will  be  able  to  fathom.  Perhaps  never  one  of  your  servants 
ever  noticed  the  field  of  your  labours  with  more  impartial  views 
than  did  my  dear  brother  Gates  and  myself,  and  it  was  not  till 
I  had  left  that  field  that  I  suff"ered  my  mind  to  form  a  senti- 
ment on  the  subject. 

*  *  *  *  *  * 

'  I  am, 

'  Your  obedient  servant, 

'Thomas  Morgan.' 

We  now  resume  Mr.  Johnson's  own  journals,  for  the  autumn 
of  1820:— 

^Jidy  27.  It  has  pleased  our  God  to  give  us  of  late  much 
peace  at  this  place,  and  the  Gospel  of  our  blessed  God  makes 
its  progress  as  usual.  Last  Sunday,  I  trust,  was  a  day  when 
the  unworthy  minister  and  his  flock  were  much  refreshed. 


JOURNAL.  227 

'  On  the  Saturday  and  Sunday  mornings,  some  conversation 
had  taken  place  between  me  and  them,  and  I  found  that  many 
laboured  under  great  fears  and  other  spiritual  afflictions,  which 
brought  to  my  mind  the  passage  in  Isaiah  on  which  I  spoke 
in  the  morning,  "  Oh,  Israel,  fear  not,  for  I  have  redeemed  thee, 
I  have  called  thee  by  thy  name,  thou  art  mine."  In  the  after- 
noon I  expounded  and  asked  questions  on  Rora.  iii.  8,  22. 
In  the  evening  spoke  on  Eph.  ii.  8. 

'  It  came  to  my  mind  that  there  are  people  who  attend  divine 
worship  six  times  every  Sunday  in  this  place : — at  six  a.m.,  prayer 
meeting  in  the  church — half-past  ten.  Divine  service — from 
two  to  three  p.  m.,  prayer-meeting  at  one  of  the  largest  houses 
by  turn — at  three,  Divine  service — and  at  half-past  six,  and  from 
a  quarter-past  eight  till  past  nine,  the  boys'  prayer-meeting.  It 
is  actually  the  case  that  not  a  few  attend  all  these  means. 

'  His  Excellency  Governor  M'Carthy  sailed  on  Wednesday 
last.  I  went  with  Mr.  During  to  bid  him  good-bye.  He  was 
very  ill  when  he  embarked. 

'  July  29.  At  the  usual  meeting  many  spoke  much  of  the 
plague  of  their  hearts ;  while  others  stated  their  afflictions  as 
illness,  &c.,  but  confessed  that  sin  was  the  cause  of  all. 

'  One  man  said — "  I  have  felt  very  glad  since  last  Sunday 
morning.  When  you  preach,  you  talk  to  me  all  the  time  : 
what  you  said  was  what  I  felt,  which  make  me  glad  too  much. 
But  when  you  at  last  talk  to  the  wicked,  I  wanted  to  cry — my 
heart  turn  in  me  for  my  poor  wife  ;  she  come  always  to  church, 
but  she  no  believe — she  still  careless.  I  do  not  know  what  to 
do  with  her ;  sometimes  when  I  look  at  her,  I  could  cry — I 
cannot  keep  water  out  of  rny  eyes — I  grieved  very  much  for 
my  wife.     Oh,  I  wish  God  may  teach  her !" 

'  Another  woman  said — "  First  time  when  I  begin  to  pray, 
and  when  I  see  all  bad  things,  I  go  plenty  times  to  pray  to  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  to  pardon  all  my  sins,  and  then  I  feel  glad 
too  much  because  he  come  into  the  world  to  save  sinners. 
When  I  go  out,  I  pray — in  the  road,  I  pray — in  the  farm,  I 
pray — when  I  get  in  the  market  amongst  plenty  people,  I  pray. 


228  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

I  always  pray — that  time  my  heart  live  on  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  too  much.  When  I  get  up  I  pray,  when  I  lie  down  I 
pray  ;  Avhen  I  see  God's  people,  I  glad  too  much ;  I  talk  to 
them,  and  tell  them  what  the  Lord  do  for  me.  But  this  time 
I  don't  know  how  I  stand.  Suppose  I  pray — my  heart  run 
away  from  me,  and  when  I  get  up  from  my  knee  I  don't  know 
what  I  been  say.  Oh  my  heart !  bad,  past  everything.  I  don't 
think  I  live  in  the  right  way.  I  don't  know  what  to  do  with 
myself.  Oh,  massa  !  I  curse,  I  lie,  I  thieve,  I  do  everything 
that  is  bad.  (Q.  Do  you  really  live  in  these  things?)  A.  Me 
do  all  with  my  bad  heart.  Suppose  the  Lord  no  help  me,  I 
should  do  them  all  with  my  hands,  ray  mouth  and  my  feet. 
But  all  bad  things  live  in  my  heart  and  that  trouble  me  too 
much."  Here  she  began  to  weep,  and  thus  the  conversation 
ended,  but  not  without  some  advice. 

^July  30,  Sundcoj.  The  prayer  meeting  in  the  church  at 
six  o'clock  in  the  morning,  was  numerously  attended.  I  gave 
an  exhortation  on  the  Lord's  day,  shewing  the  imperfections 
and  interruptions  with  which  we  have  to  struggle,  while  we 
meet  in  this  world  to  worship  God  ;  and  how  great  the  differ- 
ence will  be,  when  we  shall  keep  the  eternal  sabbath,  when, — 

"  No  more  fatigut',  no  more  distress. 
Nor  sin,  nor  death,  shall  reach  that  place ; 
No  sighs  shall  mingle  with  the  songs 
Tliat  warble  from  immortal  tongues," 

*  Divine  .service  at  half-past  ten.  I  read  the  prayers  as  usual, 
and  David  Noah  responded  with  the  whole  congregation :  I 
must  confess,  when  I  read  some  of  those  beautiful  and  spiritual 
prayers,  I  could  have  wept.  There  appeared  a  holy  awe 
throughout  the  congregation.  I  saw  one  woman,  while  she 
repeated  the  prayers,  especially  that  part. — "  Lord,  have  mercy 
upon  us !  Christ  have  mercy  upon  us !" — weeping  bitterly. 
After  the  prayers  were  read,  I  preached  on  Rev.  iii.  19. — As 
many  as  I  love,  I  rebuke  and  chasten  :  be  zealous,  therefore,  and 
repent. 


JOURNAL.  229 

'  In  the  afternoon,  I  expounded,   and    asked  questions  on 
1  John  hi.  3 — 10. 

*  In  the  evening,  I  preached  on  Is.  Lxiii.  26. 
'  May  the  Holy  Spirit  bless  his  word  which  has  been  spoken  I 
and  all  the  praise  and  glory  shall  be  to  Father,  Son,  and  Holy 
Ghost. 

'  W.  Tamba  performed  service  at  Leicester,  and  W.  Davis  in 
the  afternoon  at  Bathurst,  where  about  200  of  his  country- 
people  reside,  who  cannot  speak  or  understand  English.  He 
addressed  them  in  their  own  language.  As  Mr.  Hector  seems 
to  have  no  objection,  Davis  will  probably  go  there  every  Sun- 
day afternoon.  I  understand  that  the  people  were  very  much 
pleased,  and  begged  Davis  to  come  again  and  tell  them  about 
the  true  God. 

July  31. — 'Awhile  going  along  the  street,  some  women 
called  after  me,  and  said  a  man  was  sick  in  the  house  which  I 
then  passed.  I  turned  in,  and  found  the  man  lying  on  a  mat 
and  blanket.  When  he  perceived  me,  he  lifted  himself  up, 
though  very  weak.  (He  and  his  wife  are  communicants.)  He 
told  me  that  he  was  taken  ill  last  week,  on  the  same  day  when 
he  buried  his  only  child.  He  said — "  Massa  !  God  punish  me 
this  time :  but  suppose  I  no  belong  to  him,  he  would  not  do 
so.  Last  week  he  took  my  little  boy,  and  the  same  day  me  get 
sick  too.  Suppose,  massa,  me  have  child,  and  me  love  that 
child,  and  that  child  do  bad,  I  whip  that  child  ;  why  ?  because 
I  love  it.  So  God  do  with  me.  I  do  too  much  sin,  and  now 
God  punish  me."  He  wept.  "  Oh  that  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ 
may  pardon  my  sin  !"  I  then  interrupted  him,  and  brought 
forth  such  passages  as  came  to  ray  mind,  and  v/hich  I  thought 
would  comfort  him  in  his  distress. 

'  In  calling  at  one  of  the  houses,  I  found  two  women  (both 
communicants)  at  needle-work.  The  house  was  neat  and  clean. 
A  clean  bench  was  immediately  put  down,  and  I  was  entreated 
to  sit.  One  of  the  women  had  been  lately  married  to  a  decent 
and  serious  3'oung  man.  I  asked  how  she  got  on  now.  She 
said — "  I  think  not  so  well  as  before.     Beforetime  I  go  to 

10 


230  MEMOIR  OF  jonxsox. 

prayer,  nobody  liinder  me — I  live  by  myself  in  this  house — I 
have  no  trouble :  when  I  go  to  church,  I  was  glad — nobody 
hinder  me  ;  and  the  word  which  I  hear  was  sweet  too  much. 
Sometimes  people  ask  me,  "  Why  you  no  get  married  ?"  I  no 
answer,  but  I  know  I  liave  peace  too  much :  my  heart  live 
upon  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  But,  soon  after  people  begin  to 
talk  bad  of  me,  and  me  be  afraid  that,  by  and  bye,  people 
would  say  I  do  bad  ;  and  I  was  sorry  too  much.  That  same 
time  my  husband  send  one  man,  and  he  ask  me,  if  I  willing  to 
marry.  I  don't  know  what  to  say ;  but  I  think  I  must  say 
Yes.  Well,  I  say  Yes ;  and,  soon  after,  we  got  married.  Me 
got  plenty  trouble  this  time.  My  husband  he  is  a  good  man, 
but  me  have  trouble  about  him.  Every  time  me  think  about 
the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  my  husband  come  in  my  mind ;  and  so 
I  stand,  when  I  live  in  the  church.  Sometimes  I  think  it  would 
be  better  for  me  if  I  was  not  married :  then  I  should  only  think 
about  my  sins,  and  about  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Sometimes  I 
don't  know  what  to  do.  I  hear  3'ou  preach,  but  I  can't  feel  it : 
only  Sunday  before  last,  when  you  preach  in  the  morning,  it  was 
just  as  if  you  talk  all  the  time  to  me — me  hold  my  face  down, 
and  cry  too  much.  Oh  them  words  make  me  glad  too 
much." — The  text  was,  Isaiah  xliii.  1. 

'  The  next  woman  then  spake,  after  some  advice  had  been 
given  to  the  former,  and  said — '•  Massa  !  me  been  very  sick  ; 
and  that  time  when  you  come  and  see  me,  I  think  I  cannot 
live  much  longer.  But  you  see,  massa,  the  Lord  has  spared 
me ;  and  now  I  can  thank  him  for  his  mercy.  Beforetime  I 
was  always  'fraid,  wlien  I  got  a  little  sick — T  was  'fraid  to  die  : 
but,  this  time,  I  was  glad  too  much.  Suppose  I  been  die,  I 
live  in  heaven  now  with  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Them  words 
you  talk  yesterday  in  the  church,  about  God  punish  him  people 
because  he  love  them,  them  words  true — them  just  fit  me — 
that  true  word.  God  make  me  sick,  because  me  great  sinner  ; 
and  because  me  'fraid  to  die.  He  take  away  my  fear,  because 
he  love  me." 

'Being  dinner-time,  I  went  home  sorry  that  I  had  visited  so 


JOURNAL.  231 

few  ;  but  it  is  impossible  to  visit  mauy  at  a  time,  as  they  have 
so  much  to  relate  of  the  Lord's  dealings  with  them,  and  thus 
the  time  gets  too  short. 

'  In  the  evening  I  had  visits  paid  me,  and  the  conversations 
which  occurred  were  not  written  down,  except  the  last,  who 
came  after  evening  school,  for  I  was  so  much  interrupted,  as 
not  to  put  anything  on  paper. 

*  A  communicant  thus  opened  his  heart  to  me — "  I  no  sabby 
how  I  stand,  this  time.  I  fear  too  much.  I  think  I  no  live  in 
the  right  way.  I  no  sabby  what  to  do.  My  heart  plague  me 
too  much.  My  heart  stand  the  same  like  two  persons — one  do 
bad,  the  other  do  good — one  like  to  pray,  the  other  no  like  to 
pray.  Sometimes  me  so  sorry  for  myself,  I  don't  know  what 
to  do :  and  sometimes  when  you  preach  me  get  comfort,  but 
sometimes  me  get  sorrow  too  much  for  myself  I  don't  know 
if  Christians  stand  that  fashion.  I  want  to  talk  to  you  plenty 
time  ;  but  just  when  I  go,  something  tell  me — '  No  use  for  you 
to  go  and  tell  massa.'  "  Here  I  interfered,  and  told  him,  that 
he  in  some  measure  was  right,  as  I  could  not  help  him :  T 
might  give  him  advice,  which  was  all  I  could  do  ;  and  I  would 
now  advise  him  to  go  with  all  his  troubles  to  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  who  only  was  able,  and,  at  the  same  time,  wiUing  to 
deliver  him.  He  said — "  Me  think,  this  time,  me  have  nothing 
to  do  with  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ."  I  spoke  to  him  as  the 
Lord  enabled  me  ;  and  may  the  Holy  Spirit,  the  blessed  Com- 
forter, comfort  him  ! 

A?iff.  5. — '  Went  this  afternoon  to  see  a  sick  communicant. 
When  he  saw  me,  he  appeared  much  cast  down.  Tears  ran 
down  his  black  cheeks,  and  he  remained  silent.  I  requested 
him,  that  if  he  had  anything  on  his  mind,  to  tell  me.  He 
answered,  "Them  words  you  talk  last  Sunday  live  in  my  head. 
(The  text  was,  Rev.  iii.  19.)  I  went  to  Freetown  some  time 
ago,  and  met  with  some  of  my  country-people  who  live  there. 
They  make  me  come  to  their  house.  T  eat  Avith  them,  and 
they  talk  foolish,  and  I  did  not  tell  them  they  do  bad.  I  stand 
like   one  of  them.     My  heart  t^ll  me  tlie  same  time,  but  I  no 


232  MEMOIR    OF    JOIIN'SOK. 

mind  that.  Then  them  people  do  very  bad ;  they  curso,  and 
drink.  They  tell  me  to  stop  all  night.  I  no  like  it ;  but  by 
and  bye  I  stop  ;  and  Oh  !  massa,  what  plague  me  too  much,  I 
laugh  when  they  talk  bad.  Next  day  I  go  home,  and  Oh  ! 
how  my  heart  strike  me  \Yhen  I  go  in  the  road  ;  and  when  I 
go  home  I  get  sick.  God  punish  me  for  that ;  and  since  that 
time  I  been  sick.  My  belly  always  hurt  me,  and  sometimes 
me  get  fever.  Sometimes  I  only  strong  enough  to  go  to 
church  :  but  I  get' no  peace  in  my  heart,  wheu  I  hear  the  word 
of  God.  All  is  against  me."  Here  he  began  to  weep  again, 
and  I  perceived  that  his  illness  was  caused  by  grief.  I  tried  to 
point  out  to  him  the  tenderness  of  the  father,  after  having  pun- 
ished his  child,  and  that  our  Heavenly  Father  in  like  manner, 
mercifully,  through  the  Saviour's  merits,  receives  his  children, 
and  forgives  their  backslidings  freely. 

'  After  returning  home,  I  was  continually  engaged  in  speak- 
ing with  some  of  the  communicants.  When  one  was  gone, 
another  came  ;  and  thus  I  was  engaged  till  nearly  10  o'clock. 

'  How  various  are  the  dealings  of  God  with  his  people  ! 
Some  were  distressed  on  account  of  indwelling  sin — othi.  rs  under 
great  darkness  and  temptations — while  some  rejoiced,  and  gave 
praises  to  Him  who  worketh  all  in  all. 

'At  the  usual  meeting,  I  addressed  the  communicants  on  the 
Lord's  Supper — pointed  out  how  necessary  self-examination 
was — proposed  some  questions  —  and  requested  they  would  put 
them  to  themselves  when  they  retired.  Some  spoke  in  a  very 
pleasing  manner  concerning  the  great  things  which  the  Lord 
had  done  for  them ;  and  how  they  had  been  refreshed  by 
hearing  the  word  of  God  in  the  church  and  by  reading  it  at 
home. 

'  After  service,  one  day,  some  young  womt-n,  who  are  stili  in 
the  school,  followed  me  into  the  piazza,  and  desired  to  speak  to 
me.  One  said — "Massa!  what  you  now  say  about  having 
peace  with  one  another,  troubles  mc  very  much."  She  bognn 
to  weep  and  could  say  no  more.  Another  then  said — "  Massa! 
we  have  too  much   trouble  in   the  school-house.     Them  girls 


JOURNAL.  ■  233 

that  no  serve  God  trouble  us  too  much  :  we  have  no  peace 
with  them.  We  beg  you,  massa,  to  tell  us  what  we  must  do. 
"We  want  to  sit  down  by  ourselves,  to  read  and  pray  sometimes; 
but  we  cannot — them  other  girls  make  too  much  noise ;  and 
some  of  them  would  do  us  bad,  but  they  fear  you.  And  now 
so  much  rain  live  there,  we  cannot  go  into  the  bush  :  and  that 
make  us  feel  sorry.  Last  Sunday,  you  say  you  fear  people  neg- 
lect prayer,  and  now  them  feel  cold  in  them  heart.  Massa  ! 
for  my  part,  I  stand  that  fashion.  Sometimes  I  kneel  down  to 
pray,  and  then  my  heart  so  cold,  and  then  somebody  come  and 
disturb  me."  Another  then  began  to  speak  in  length,  much 
the  same  way.  I  gave  them  some  advice,  and  they  left  me 
weeping. 

^Aug.  6. — Prayer-meeting  as  usual  in  the  morning.  Mr. 
Lisk  and  two  black  men  engaged  in  prayer,  and  myself  con- 
cluded. 

'The  church  was  full  as  usual.  Spoke  on  Col.  iii.  11.  After 
service  I  administered  the  Lord's  Supper.  There  were  270 
communicants.  I  was  much  fatigued  at  the  conclusion,  having 
spoken  from  10  till  2  o'clock. 

'  In  the  evening  I  spoke  on  Prov.  xiv.  32.  Last  Sunday  I 
went  to  Leopold's  Town  and  Charlotte,  and  was  told  by  Mr. 
Renner,  that  an  European  soldier  had  sold  everything  for  rum, 
and  had  been  drunk  several  days.  In  the  morning  he  went 
out  to  work,  and  at  breakfast  time  went  home,  and  died  instant- 
ly. The  same  man  formerly  worked  at  this  place,  and  was  well 
known  by  our  people,  as  a  notorious  drunkard,  which  was  the 
reason  I  preached  on  the  above-mentioned  text.  Oh  !  that 
every  dispensation  of  Providence  may  be  sanctified. 

'  August  8.— The  Missionary  prayer-meeting  was  held  here. 
Messrs.  During,  Tayler,  and  Lisk  were  present,  with  Tamba, 
Davis,  and  Noah. 

'  In  the  evening  I  preached  the  monthly  Missionary  Sermon 
to  our  people  from  Rom.  x.  14,  15.  I  trust  this  day  we  were 
refreshed.     At  least  I  found  it  so. 

'  August  13,  Sunday. — I  felt  very  unwell  this  morning,  but 


234  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSOX. 

could  not  stay  away  from  churcli  ;  which  was  completely 
crowded,  it  being  a  very  fine  day.  Those  wlio  have  sufiered 
from  illness,  have  all  got  better  of  late.  The  weather  is  so 
favourable,  that  we  scarcely  know  that  we  are  in  the  middle  of 
the  rainy  season.  Many  strangei*s  were  also  observed.  It  was, 
indeed,  a  scene  which  prophets  and  kings  desired  to  see,  but 
saw  it  not.  What  my  soul  felt  when  I  beheld,  I  may  say  a 
multitude  of  people,  I  cannot  express  ;  and  all  appearing  eager 
to  hear  the  word  of  God.  I  preached  on  2  Cor.  iv.  17.  While 
I  was  preaching  the  fever  came  on  ;  but  though  my  body  felt 
weak,  yet  my  soul  was  strengthened  when  speaking  of  the  end 
and  result  of  our  present  afflictions,  which  are  but  light  and  for 
a  moment  ;  and  while  we  endure  them,  we  are  held  up  by  our 
covenant  Jehovah,  and  thus  they  work  out  for  us  afar  more 
exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of  glory, 

'  In  the  afternoon  I  was  very  unwell,  and  could  not  go  to 
church.  About  four  o'clock  the  fever  left  me  and  I  felt  quite 
well  again.  In  the  evening,  I  preached  on  1  John  ii.  29.  The 
boys  concluded  this  holy  day  with  prayer-meeting. 

'  W.  Tamba  kept  service  at  Leicester  Mountain,  and  W. 
Davis  at  Bathurst  Town. 

'  I  have  had  visits  paid  me,  every  day,  almost  from  morning 
to  night.  Were  I  to  write  down  all  the  conversations  that 
have  taken  place  between  the  people  and  myself,  they  would 
fill  a  volume. 

'  One  man  said — "  Massa  !  I  am  like  a  dog  who  runs  away 
from  his  master,  and  runs  all  about ;  but  finds  no  house,  no 
place  to  live :  he  gets  hungry,  and  then  comes  back  again  to 
his  master  ;  because  nobody  will  take  him  into  the  house,  and 
give  him  something  to  eat.  I  do  the  same.  I  run  away  from 
the  Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  but  I  find  no  peace — trouble  meet  me 
everywhere,  and  then  I  must  come  back  to  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  for  He  only  gives  me  rest." 

'  Another  said — "  Massa  !  God  do  keep  me,  for  true.  I  have 
now  been  past  three  years  in  the  church  " — meaning  as  a  com- 
municant.    "  Sometimes  I  have  run  from  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 


JOURNAL.  235 

but  He  no  run  uway  tVoui  me  :  He  hold  me  fast.  When  I  run, 
He  send  trouble  after  me.  As  He  bring  back  Jonah,  so  He 
bring  me  back  many  times.  I  no  run  like  Jonah,  but  heart 
run  more  like  Jonah.  One  time  I  get  so  much  trouble,  and 
my  sins  so  much  plague  me,  that  I  want  to  hang  myself ;  but, 
blessed  be  the  Lord  !  He  no  let  me  do  so.  I  wish,  that  time, 
that  I  no  hear  the  word  of  God  at  all — it  plague  me  so.  Ah, 
massa  !  first  time  when  you  talk  to  us  about  trouble,  I  hear  it; 
but  I  don't  think  that  trouble  can  come  so  much.  I  cannot 
tell  you  how  much  trouble  I  been  have — sometimes  I  no  sleep 
at  all.  Them  words  which  you  preach  last  night  comfort  me 
much.  I  see  now  that  all  them  trouble  I  bring  on  myself. 
The  Lord  wanted  me,  but  I  did  not  want  Him.  When  I  con- 
sider, I  wonder  that  God  has  kept  me  so  long.  Oh,  what 
mercy !  I  see  he  will  not  leave  me.  When  I  look  back,  I 
have  comfort." 

'  Another  said — "  Yesterday  morning  when  you  preach,  you 
show  me  that  the  law  be  our  schoolmaster  to  bring  us  to  Christ. 
You  talk  about  the  Ten  Commandments.  You  begin  at  the 
first,  and  me  say  to  myself,  "me  guilty  ;"  the  second,  "me  guilty;" 
the  third,  "  me  guilty ;"  the  fourth,  "  me  guilty  ;"  so  with  the 
fifth.  Then  you  say  the  sixth,  "  Thou  shalt  not  kill."  Me  say, 
"Ah,  me  no  guilty,  me  never  kill."  You  say,  "I  suppose 
plenty  people  live  in  your  country  whom  you  hate.  Did  you 
never  hate  such  person  ?  did  you  never  wish  that  such  a  man 
or  such  a  woman  was  dead?"  Massa,  you  talk  plainly  about 
that,  and  what  I  feel  I  can't  tell  you.  I  talk  in  my  heart,  and 
my  heart  begin  to  beat.  Me  want  to  cry,  my  heart  have  so 
much,  me  don't  know  what  to  do.  Massa,  me  think  me  kill 
ten  people  before  breakfast.  I  never  think  I  so  bad.  After- 
wards you  talk  to  me  about  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  how  he 
take  all  our  sin.  I  think  I  stand  like  a  person  that  have  a  big 
stone  on  his  head,  and  can't  walk — want  to  fall  down.  Oh, 
massa,  I  have  trouble  too  much,  I  no  sleep  all  night,  (he  wept 
much)  I  hope  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  will  take  my  sins  from  me. 
Suppose  he  no  save  me,  I  go  to  hell  for  ever  I" 


♦ 


286  MEMOIK    OF    JOHNSON. 

'■Aug.  20,  Sunday. — I  preached  this  morning  on  Gal.  iii.  4. 
The  people  were  very  attentive  :  and  as  the  weather  has  been 
very  fine  of  late,  all  the  people  that  had  been  ill  have  recovered 
and  were  present.  After  service,  one  of  the  churchwardens 
came  to  me,  and  said,  "  When  you  explained  the  law,  some 
people  wept ;  and  two  men  ran  away — they  could  not  stand  it." 
Several  expressed  joy  that  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  had  delivered 
them  from  the  curse  of  the  law. 

'In  the  afternoon,  I  explained,  and  asked  questions  on  Rom, 
X.  1-11.  The  church  was  crowded  as  in  the  morning.  In  the 
evening,  I  preached  on  Phil.  i.  6.  May  the  Lord  bless  his 
word  !  My  own  soul  has  been  refreshed  once  more.  Oh,  what 
mercy  toward  one  so  vile  and  so  wretched !  May  the  Lord's 
name  be  praised ! 

'  Aug.  25. — Went  on  Wednesday  to  Kissey  Town  in  com- 
pany with  Mr.  During.  Mr.  Nylander  was  not  at  home.  Ex- 
pected to  see  him,  but  was  disappointed.  In  the  evening  I 
spoke  to  the  children  and  a  few  of  the  inhabitants.  The  place 
of  worship  is  very  small. 

'  On  Thursday  we  proceeded  to  Freetown,  and  to-day  we 
returned.  It  rained  very  much,  but  we  could  not  wait  longer. 
Freetown  not  being  our  home,  we  do  not  feel  that  comfort 
which  we  enjoy  amongst  our  simjDle  people. 

'  Sept.  3,  Sunday. — It  rained  very  much  to-day,  yet  we  had 
the  church  full.  Divine  Service  commenced  at  10,  being  the 
first  Sunday  in  the  month.  I  first  married  two  couple — two 
carpentei-s  to  two  school-girls — all  communicants.  When  the 
girls  came  to  take  leave  of  me,  they  wept  much,  conscious  of 
the  important  step  which  they  were  about  to  take.  The  whole 
congregation  seemed  to  feel  affected  when  the  ceremony  was 
performed,  and  responded  to  the  service  in  a  very  solemn  man- 
ner. The  brides  were  dressed  in  white  gowns  and  black  bea- 
ver hats ;  the  men  in  blue  coats,  and  light  waistcoats  and  trow- 
sers.  They  made  a  very  respectable  appearance.  What  a 
contrast! — when  we  consider,  that,  not  long  since,  they  were 
naked,  and  disfigured  by  slave-dealers'  chains  and  greegrees ! 


iOURKAL,  237 

'I  then  proceeded  with  the  Morning  Prayers  ;  after  which  I 
preached  on  John  i.  29 — '■'■Behold  the  Lamb  of  Ood  which 
toketh  away  the  sin  of  the  world  /" — and  then  baptized  twenty- 
three  adults  and  three  infants.  Before  the  administration  of 
the  Ordinance,  I  questioned  the  candidates,  who  stood  in  a  Une 
before  the  reading-desk,  on  Regeneration,  Baptism,  the  Lord's 
Supper,  the  Holy  Trinity,  and  the  Fall  and  Recovery  of  Man. 
I  then  explained  to  them  the  questions  and  answers  in  the 
Prayer-Book,  and  baptized  them  in  the  name  of  the  Father, 
and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

'  Being  the  first  Sunday  in  the  month,  1  administered  the 
Lord's  Supper  to  nearly  300  communicants. 

'  I  was  so  much  fatigued,  that  I  could  not  keep  service  in  the 
afternoon. 

'In  the  evening,  I  preached  on  2  Tim.  ii.  19.  The  church 
was  full  again,  notwithstanding  heavy  rains  ;  and  blessed  be 
God  for  His  mercy  I  For  ray  part,  I  found  it  good  to  be  there, 
and  I  believe  the  people  did  the  same.  A  school-girl,  who  had 
hitherto  been  very  careless,  was  much  affected  :  she  wept 
during  the  whole  service,  and  afterwards  desired  to  speak  to 
rae,  with  several  other  people. 

'  Thus  another  blessed  Sabbatli  has  been  spent.  Oh,  that 
every  Sabbath,  yea,  every  day  and  hour,  may  be  spent  to  the 
praise  and  glory  of  our  Redeemer  ! 

'  After  prayer,  one  morning,  at  which  the  church  was  nearly 
filled,  I  was  followed  by  a  woman,  who  is  a  communicant,  into 
my  house.  She  there  gave  freo  course  to  the  fulness  of  her 
heart.  After  she  had  wept  bitterly  for  some  time,  she  said, 
"The  Lord  has  loved  me  so  much,  and  that  makes  me  cry. 
My  father  was  killed  in  war,  and  my  mother  die  ;  and  then  the 
people  dragged  me  about  from  one  j^lace  to  another,  and  sold 
me  like  a  beast  in  the  markets.  Sometimes  they  could  not  sell 
me,  because  I  was  so  small ;  and  then  they  wanted  to  kill  me, 
but  the  Lord  helped  me."  Wept  again.  "  I  feel  all  them  words 
in  my  heart  which  you  talk  last  night.  You  show  us  how  them 
people  stand  that  have  grace  in  the  heart,  and  every  word  you 

10* 


238  MEMOIR   Of  JOHKSON. 

talk  make  rae  feel ;  and  me  want  to  cry  ;  me  see  what  great 
things  the  Lord  Jesus  has  done  for  me  ;  and  what  hurt  me  and 
make  rae  sorry  is,  because  I  love  him  so  little."  Wept  again 
very  much,  "  Yesterday,  when  I  go  to  the  Lord's  Table,  I  feel 
so  cold,  that  I  am  sorry  too  much."  I  endeavoured  to  comfort 
her,  but  she  went  away  weeping  bitterly. 

'  One  of  the  school-girls  said  to  me— =•"  Since  yesterday  morn- 
ing, all  the  sins  which  I  done  come  before  me.  I  am  bad  too 
much.  I  am  afraid  I  shall  die  soon  and  go  to  hell.  I  did  not 
sleep  all  night.  I  do  not  know  what  to  do."  She  wept  bit- 
terly, and  said — "  0  1  poor  me  !  poor  me !"  I  pointed  her  to 
the  ^^Lamb  of  God,  which  taketh  aioay  the  sin  of  the  worlds 
Many  more  came,  but  it  was  iinpossible  to  write  all  down. 

'  In  the  evening  we  had  the  monthly  Missionary  Prayer 
Meeting.  I  spoke  on  John  x.  16.  The  church  was  full,  and 
the  effect  the  words  of  the  text  had  upon  many  minds  was 
great.  Many  paid  double  their  contributions,  so  that  I  got  £6 
Is.  4d.  instead  of  £3.  Praise  and  glory  be  unto  him  who 
worketh  all  in  all. 

*  Oct,  4. — Thirty-six  persons  have  since  the  above  been  re- 
ceived as  candidates  for  baptism,  who  are  now  under  a  course 
of  instruction. 

'  The  work  of  mercy  is  proceeding,  for  which  I  am  constrain- 
ed to  say,  "Blessing,  and  honour,  and  glory,  and  power,  be 
unto  Him  that  sitteth  upon  the  throne,  and  unto  the  Lamb  for 
ever  and  ever."     Amen. 

'  W,  JOUNSON.' 

In  October  of  this  year,  Mr.  Johnson  took  another  of  those 
missionary  excursions,  the  importance  of  which  dwelt  so  strong- 
ly on  his  mind. 

'  Oct.  17,  1820. — Left  Regent's  Town,  this  morning,  accom- 
panied by  William  Tamba ;  and  by  John  Johnson,  W.  Gar- 
non,  David  Johnson,  John  Attarra,  John  Hopkins,  and  Henry 
Martyn,  all  youths  of  the  Society's  Seminary — to  embark  in  a 


JOURNAL    OF    A    VISIT   TO    THE    BANANA    ISLANDS.  239 

canoe  at  F'reetown.  Sailed,  about  five  o'clock  ia  the  afternoon, 
and  cleared  Cape  Sierra  Leone  before  night. 

'  Oct.  18. — Having  suffered  much  during  the  night  and  the 
whole  of  the  day  by  contrary  winds,  we  went  on  shore  in  the 
afternoon,  at  a  place  called  Tongeh,  only  five  miles  from  Re- 
gent's Town.  We  proceeded  on  foot  along  the  sand-beach, 
till  we  came  to  a  grove  of  trees,  where  we  halted.  Read  a 
chapter,  and  prayed ;  when,  I  trust,  we  all  experienced  the 
presence  of  our  gracious  Saviour.  As  we  had  been  much  an- 
noyed with  bad  language  (which  the  canoe-men  thought  they 
had  a  right  to  make  use  of,  saying,  it  was  canoe-fashion),  we 
found  this  spot  of  retirement  peculiarly  refreshing. 

'  We  then  proceeded  further,  determined  rather  to  walk,  than 
hear  bad  language :  and  reached,  late,  a  place  called  Mama, 
the  village  where  we  lodged  two  years  ago,  when  our  beloved 
friend,  Mr.  Gates,  was  with  us.  The  people  appeared  happy  to 
see  us  again,  and  gave  us  the  same  house  as  we  before  occu- 
pied. 

'  After  we  had  refreshed  ourselves,  we  called  the  people  to- 
gether ;  when  W.  Tamba  addressed  them  in  the  Sherbro 
tongue  ;  they  were  very  attentive.  Tamba,  at  the  conclusion, 
told  them,  that  we  would  now  kneel  down  and  pray  for  them. 
They  all  knelt  down  with  us ;  and,  after  prayer,  went  very 
quietly  to  their  houses,  which  was  very  remarkable,  as  Africans 
generally  make  a  great  noise  during  those  nights  when  the 
moon  shines  ;  but  not  a  word  was  heard.  We  thanked  God^ 
who  had  brought  us  to  this  place,  and  favoured  us  with  that 
opportunity  which  we  could  not  have  enjoyed  had  we  remained 
in  the  canoe,  ayid  took  courage. 

'  Oct.  19,  1820.  After  we  had  committed  ourselves  to  the 
care  and  protection  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour,  and  had  paid  our 
host,  we  resumed  our  march  along  the  sand-beach,  till  we  came 
to  a  large  creek,  through  which  we  swam  with  some  difficulty. 
After  we  had  got  safely  across,  we  saw  two  sharks  in  pursuit 
of  some  fish.  This  brought  serious  reflections  to  our  minds — 
When  thou  passest  through  the  loaters,  I  ivill  he  with  thee  ;  and 
through  the  rivers,  they  shall  not  overjiow  thee. 


240  MEMOIR    OF    J0HN60X. 

*  We  walked  again  along  the  sand-beach,  and  arrived  at 
York,  a  new  settlement  of  disbanded  soldiers,  about  ten  o'clock, 
A.M. ;  but,  as  it  was  then  low  water,  we  thought  it  best  not  to 
hesitate,  but  to  get  across  the  AVliale  Kiver,  which  we  found 
quite  passable. 

'  About  four  miles  from  Kent  we  arrived  at  another  creek, 
which  appeared  quite  shallow.  We  pulled  off  our  shoes  and 
stockings,  and  waded  through.  When  I  got  near  the  other 
side,  I  sunk,  on  a  sudden,  as  high  as  my  arm-pits  in  a  quick- 
sand. Tamba,  who  was  on  tlie  other  side,  caught  me  by  the 
hand  and  pulled  me  out.  Having  left  my  other  clothing  in  the 
canoe,  I  was  obliged  to  proceed  in  my  wet  and  sandy  clothes, 
which  proved  almost  too  much  for  me.  I  became,  at  last,  so 
fatigued,  that  by  the  time  I  arrived  at  Kent,  ray  strength  was 
exhausted  ;  but,  througli  tlie  mercy  of  God,  I  received  no 
injury. 

'  Oct.  20.  Went,  in  the  afternoon,  to  a  few  small  hamlets 
in  the  neighbourhood  of  Kent.  P'ound  a  man  who  had  for- 
merly lived  at  Regent's  Town  ;  being  very  superstitious,  he  had 
withdrawn  to  a  place  where  he  could  live  in  the  practice  of  his 
country-fashion.  I  took  one  of  his  greegrees,  and  cutting  the 
leather  open  in  which  it  was  sewed,  found  that  it  was  merely  a 
piece  of  paper  which  had  been  wrapped  round  a  cake  of  Wind- 
sor soap :  the  stamp  of  the  manufacturer  was  on  the  paper, 
with  the  inscription  "  Genuine  Windsor  Soap."  I  exposed  the 
strange  charm  to  my  companions,  and  a  hearty  laugh  ensued. 
The  poor  fellow  was  quite  confounded  ;  and  when  I  explained 
to  him  his  folly,  he  said,  greegree  was  good,  because  he  had 
bought  it  of  a  Mandingo-man  for  l5.  Sd.,  and  the  man  (a  Ma- 
homedan)  had  told  him  that  it  was  good  very  much.  Seeing 
that  we  could  not  convince  him  of  his  error,  one  of  our  boys 
put  it  into  the  fire;  which  closed  the  dispute. 

'  We  returned  to  Kent ;  and  in  the  evening,  I  addressed  the 
people  of  that  place  on  Matt.  vii.  21 — 23. 

'  Oct.  21.  Several  people  made  application  for  baptism  ;  and 
others  desired  to  be  lawfully  married.     The  acting  Governor 


JOURNAL  OF  A  VISIT  TO  THE  BANANA  ISLANCS.  241 

being  at  tlie  Bananas  to-day,  I  took  the  opportunity,  and  ap- 
plied for  a  licence  to  marry  such  people  of  York  and  Kent  as 
were  properly  qualified.  The  Governor  granted  my  request, 
and  sent  a  licence  for  that  purpose. 

'  In  the  evening,  after  family  prayer,  I  conversed  with  such 
as  were  desirous  of  being  baptized.  I  found  that  some  were 
totally  ignorant,  while  a  few  gave  evidence  of  a  work  of  grace 
having  been  begun  in  their  hearts,  who  are  to  be  taken  under 
the  course  of  instruction  :  at  a  future  period  I  intend  to  visit 
Kent  again  and  then  baptize  them. 

'  Oct.  22,  1820,  Sunday.  Early  tbis  morning  we  held  a 
prayer-meeting.  The  people  present  seemed  somewhat  sur- 
prised, when  they  heard  two  or  three  countrymen  pray.  At 
half-past  ten  o'clock,  Divine  Worship  was  held.  There  were 
about  200  people  present.  I  married  eleven  couple ;  and,  after 
the  Liturgy  had  been  read,  I  preached  on  Rom.  vii.  14.  In  the 
evening,  I  preached  on  Luke  v.  12.  The  people  appeared  very 
attentive. 

'  Oct.  23.  At  family  prayer,  I  married  five  couple  more, 
who  came  yesterday  from  York,  but  were  too  late.  I  was  in- 
formed that  both  Mr.  George  Caulker  and  Mr.  Thomas  Caulker 
were  at  the  Bananas ;  and  sailed,  immediately,  to  have  an  in- 
terview with  them. 

'  The  Governor  came  to  an  understanding,  last  week,  with 
these  chiefs.  A  party  of  soldiers  took  possession  of  the  Islands 
on  Saturday.     A  settlement  is  to  be  formed  on  them. 

'We  reached  the  Bananas  about  ten  o'clock,  A.  m.  Mr. 
George  Caulker  is  a  man  of  good  understanding,  which  he  mani- 
fested in  every  respect.  I  had  some  conversation  about  his 
translation  of  the  Scriptures  into  the  Sherbro  tongue,  which  Mr. 
Nylander  has  already  reported.  He  said  that  he  had  trans- 
lated the  Book  of  Genesis,  part  of  the  Liturgy,  and  some 
hymns.  He  observed  the  rules  which  Mr.  Nylander  had  laid 
down.  There  is  a  material  difierence  between  the  BuUom  and 
Sherbro  tongues.  I  introduced  John  Johnson  as  one  who 
could  read  Bullom.     Mr.  G.  Caulker  said  that  he  might  soon 


242  MEMOIR    OF   JOHNSOK. 

learn  Sherbro,  as  it  was  formed  on  the  same  principles  as  the 
Bullom,  and  especially  as  he  already  understood  a  little  Sher- 
bro. Mr.  G,  Caulker  believed  that  the  Bullom  and  Sherbro 
tongues  had  formerly  been  one ;  but  both  are  now  so  mixed 
with  words  of  neighbouring  tongues,  that  the  difference  is  so 
great  that  not  many  of  the  BuUoms  can  speak  or  understand 
Sherbro.  The  Bvillom  King  only,  and  such  as  have  frequently 
travelled  that  way,  can  understand  it. 

'  I  inquired  whether  he  had  printed  any  of  his  translations. 
He  said  that  the  printer  in  Freetown  had  printed  a  few  hymns 
for  him,  but  was  not  able  to  do  any  thing  else.  I  then  told 
him  that,  if  he  had  anything  ready  for  the  press,  I  would  take 
it  upon  myself  to  send  it  to  England  to  the  Society  ;  which,  I 
was  sure,  would  render  him,  in  that  respect,  e\-ery  assistance. 
He  said  he  would  get  something  ready  and  send  it, 

'  I  further  asked  whether  he  would  allow  us  to  send  any  of 
those  youths,  who  were  now  in  the  Seminary,  when  they  had 
finished  their  studies,  to  travel  or  settle  in  his  territory,  and 
preach,  or  teach  his  people,  the  Gospel  of  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.  As  Mr.  Thomas  Caulker,  the  uncle  of  Mr.  George 
Caulker,  is  the  principal  Chief,  Mr,  George  Caulker  spoke  to 
him  in  the  Sherbro  tongue  on  the  subject ;  and  then  answered 
that  they  thought  it  a  very  good  plan  to  prepare  native  teach- 
ers, and  that  any  of  them  might  go  to  their  people,  whenever 
we  were  pleased  to  send  them ;  and  that  they  would  always 
protect  them.  I  introduced  the  other  youths :  both  chiefs 
seemed  much  pleased ;  and  said  that  their  people  now  kept 
Sunday,  but  as  they  had  no  persons  to  teach  them,  they  had 
made  it  a  palaver-day. 

'  AVilliara  Tamba  was  next  introduced,  and  was  recognised 
by  Mr.  Thomas  Caulker,  who  knew  him  when  in  the  slave- 
trade  on  the  plantains.  I  told  the  chiefs  that  Tamba  had  now 
become  a  christian,  and  Avas  desirous  of  being  employed  to  teach 
his  countrymen,  and  that  he  was  now  under  a  course  of  instruc- 
tion. They  seemed  much  pleased.  I  also  told  them  that 
Tamba,  perhaps,  would  visit  them  and  their  towns  and  villages, 


JOURNAL  Oi"  A  VISIT  10  TttK  BANANA  ISLANDS.  243 

during  the  present  diy  season.  They  wished  that  he  might  be 
sent.  I  promised  that  he  should  \'isit  their  country  once,  at 
least,  this  present  dry  season,  and  address  the  people  in  the 
Sherbro  tongue ;  and  that  he  should  go  to  every  village  and 
hamlet,  and  tell  the  people  of  the  things  whicli  concern  their 
peace ;  to  which  the  chiefs  fully  agreed. 

'  After  we  had  refreshed  ourselves,  we  re-entered  the  canoe, 
and  felt  thankful  for  the  favourable  interview  which  we  had 
had  with  these  two  chiefs ;  whose  territory  begins  on  the  bor- 
ders of  the  colony,  and  is  very  extensive. 

'  We  left  the  Bananas  about  one  o'clock,  p.  m.,  and  stood 
east  by  south,  for  a  river  called  Ribbee,  Avhich  is  about  sixteen 
miles  from  the  Bananas.  We  reached  tbe  mouth  of  this  river 
about  six  o'clock ;  and,  after  rowing  till  about  nine,  we  came 
to  a  village  called  by  the  name  of  the  river,  Ribbee.  It  being 
dark  when  we  landed,  the  people  seemed  rather  alarmed ;  but 
Tamba  having  addressed  them  in  Sherbro,  they  came  and 
shook  hands  witli  us,  and  received  us  in  a  very  friendly  man- 
ner. They  gave  us  a  house  to  lodge  in,  and  sold  us  some 
fowls  and  rice.  Being  late,  we  could  not  assemble  the  people, 
but  had  praj^er  among  ourselves,  and  retired  to  rest ;  but  the 
mosquitos  hindered  us  from  enjoying  that  blessing. 

'  Oct.  24,  1820.  Rose  early  this  morning,  and,  as  soon  as 
possible,  collected  the  people.  The  headman  was  very  old.  He 
and  the  people  listened  with  attention,  and  appeared  to  be 
mucb  pleased  with  what  Tamba  told  them.  When  he  had 
done  speaking,  they  proceeded,  in  their  country-fashion,  to  talk 
palaver.  I  observed  the  old  headman  counting  on  his  fingers, 
and  explaining  to  his  people  something  of  importance.  I 
asked  Tamba  what  they  were  talking  about ;  who  told  me, 
that  he  had  spoken  to  them,  at  the  conclusion,  about  keeping- 
Sunday.  We  left  them,  and  retired  to  our  house — read  the 
sixtieth  chapter  of  Isaiah,  and  prayed  :  after  which  we  took  a 
walk  round  the  place,  and  found  it  larger  than  we  at  first  con- 
ceived. Greegrees  and  devils'  houses  were  seen  in  every  direc- 
tion.    Oh,  that  the  Lord  may  have  mercy  on  these  benighted 


244  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSO:*. 

people  I  May  Uis  glory  rise  upon  them,  and  dispel  the  gross 
darkness  that  has  covered  them  ! 

'  After  breakfast,  about  nine  o'clock,  we  re-entered  our 
canoe :  sailed  down  the  river,  and  came  to  the  mouth  about 
twelve  o'clock ;  whence  we  steered  south  for  the  Plantains, 
about  twenty-four  miles  distant.  Saw  the  islands  about  three 
o'clock :  the  land  being  very  low,  we  could  not  see  them  be- 
fore. About  eight  o'clock,  we  passed  the  Camaranca  river ; 
being  dark,  we  ran  upon  a  sand-bank. 

'  Oct.  25.  We  got  off  the  sand-bank  abotit  eleven  o'clock 
last  night :  tlie  moon  rising  about  the  same  time,  enabled  us 
to  proceed.  Reached  the  Plantains  about  seven  o'clock  this 
morning.  Mr.  George  Caulker,  the  chief,  had  not  returned 
from  the  Bananas. 

'  This  settlement  has  much  the  appearance  of  an  European 
residence.  There  aj-e,  I  suppose,  about  200  inhabitants  on  the 
island.  Tamba,  who  has  lived  here,  knew  many  of  the  people. 
The  point  on  the  main,  opposite  to  the  island,  is  called  Tassa 
Point.  There,  all  the  chiefs  of  the  family  of  the  Caulkers  are 
buried ;  and,  when  any  serious  or  family  dispute  arises,  they 
assemble  at  that  place,  and  talk  the  palaver  over  the  graves  of 
their  ancestors. 

'  We  were  kindly  received  by  the  younger  brother  of  Mr. 
George  Caulker.  After  breakfsist  we  went  in  search  of  the 
lime-trees  which  were  planted  by  the  late  Rev.  John  Newton, 
when  he  was  wandering  like  a  lost  sheep  over  this  island.  We 
found  that  they  had  been  cut  down ;  we  saw  the  trunk  of  one 
from  which  new  branches  had  shot  forth,  but  there  was  no 
fruit.  Mr.  Thomas  Caulker,  the  principal  chief,  resides  in  the 
Camaranca  river,  which  we  crossed  last  night.  There  are  six 
other  towns  up  that  river,  all  under  his  authority.  I  found 
some  very  useful  books  in  the  library  of  Mr.  G.  Caulker,  which 
had  been  well  used;  with  a  hymn-book,  some  translations 
from  which  I  found  in  print :  and  as  several  of  the  hymns  in 
that  book  were  composed  by  the  late  Rev.  John  Newton,  it  ia 
probable  that  some  of  his  hymns  are  now  sung,  in  the  Sherbro 


JOURNAL  OF   A   VISIT  TO  THE   BANANA  ISLANDS.  245 

tongue,  on  the  very  spot  where  he  in  ignorance  wandered,  and 
planted  lime-trees  for  his  amusement ! 

'  As  it  was  my  wish  to  be  at  Regent's  Town  on  the  follow- 
ing Sunday,  we  could  not  wait  till  the  arrival  of  Mr.  G.  Caulker, 
but  again  entered  the  canoe  about  eleven  o'clock,  A.  m.,  and 
steered  for  Kent. 

'  In  the  evening  we  held  a  prayer-meeting  in  the  canoe,  it 
being  the  time  when  the  people  at  Regent's  Town  assemble  for 
the  same  purpose. 

'  Oct.  26.  Having  toiled  and  rowed  against  the  wind  ^11 
night,  we  at  length  reached  Kent,  at  eight  o'clock  this  morn- 
ing. Sailed  again  at  eleven ;  and  got  past  False  Cape  about 
nine  o'clock  in  the  evening,  when  a  most  tremendous  tornado 
came  from  the  mountains,  and  continued  about  four  hours. 
It  blew  with  great  violence,  and  the  lightning  and  thunder 
were  truly  awful :  the  rain  came  down  in  torrents :  and  the 
whole  created  so  much  confusion  in  the  canoe,  that  the  men 
did  not  know  what  they  were  doing.  One  let  the  anchor  go, 
but  it  did  not  reach  the  bottom  ;  and  thus  our  prospect  became 
very  precarious,  as  we  were  not  far  from  some  rocks.  Tamba 
begged  me  to  give  him  the  command  of  the  canoe,  as  the  cap- 
tain appeared  quite  at  a  loss.  I  granted  his  request ;  he  got 
the  anchor  up  again,  and  went  before  the  wind  till  it  abated. 
The  wind  changed  again  ;  and,  about  five  o'clock  on  Friday 
morning,  we  landed  at  Tongeh,  five  miles  from  Regent's  Town. 
Having  been  wet  all  night,  I  changed  my  clothing,  and  pro- 
ceeded to  Regent's  Town  ;  which  place  we  reached  about  half- 
past  seven  o'clock.  Much  joy  was  manifested  on  both  sides, 
when  we  beheld  each  other  again  in  safety.  May  our  Heaven- 
ly Father  be  praised  for  His  mercy  toward  us,  during  this  short 
journey,  and  bless  our  feeble  endeavours,  for  Jesus'  sake !' 


CHAPTER  IX. 

A.  u.  1821. 

Progress  of  the  mission — Visit  of  ]^[r.  Bacon,  and  of  Mr.  Singleton,  to 
Regent's  Town. 

The  work  of  Mr.  Johnson  is  now  seen  to  be  lipening  and 
maturing  fast.  The  fulness  of  success  begins  to  be  mingled 
with  the  perils  and  temptations  of  prosperity.  The  Enemy  of 
the  Chureb  is  also  unremitting  in  his  assaults,  while  the  strength 
of  the  missionary  himself  is  sorely  tried.  At  the  opening  of  the 
new  year  he  thus  writes  to  the  Secretaries  in  London  :  — 

'  Regent's  Town,  Jan.  19,  1821. 
'  Rev,  and  dear  Sirs. 

'  You  will  be  so  kind  as  to  receive  herewith,  the  reports  and 
journals  of  the  different  settlements,  also  the  journal  of  W. 
Tamba,  who  has  been  successflil  in  his  visit  to  the  Sherbro 
country,  and  is  now  getting  ready  to  go  again  the  second  time. 

'The  anniversaiy  of  the  Sierra  Leone  Church  Missionary 
Society  was  held  on  December  26.  Mr.  Garnsey  being  busy  in 
preparing  for  his  departure,  declined  preaching  the  Anniversary 
Sermon,  which  became  my  lot.  I  preached  on  Mark  xvi.  15  : 
"  Go  you  into  all  the  world,"  &c.  Mr.  Garnsey  will  give  you 
a  full  account,  both  of  the  Anniversary  and  of  the  Quarterly 
Meeting.  I  can  only  say  it  was  to  me  a  day  of  joy  ;  never  did 
I  spend  a  more  happy  Christmas :  all  was  love  and  unity.  On 
the  26th  we  had  nineteen,  and  the  2'7th  twenty-one  male  and 
female  missionaries  to  dinner — the  greatest  number  that  ever 
dined  together  in  Western  Africa. 

'  The  boys  in  the  seminary  proceed  as  usual.  I  wish  I  could 
see  a  competent  teacher.     Be  so  kind  as  to  send  the  following 

Latin  books  as  soon  as  possible  : Should  no  teacher 

come  out,  we  must  try,  by  the  help  of  God,  what  we  can  do. 


PROGRESS    OF    THE    MISSION.  247 

'  Mr.  During  is  recovering  from  a  severe  illness,  and  is  not 
able  to  write  by  tlie  present  opportunity  :  he  wishes  me  to  say 
that  he  will  do  so  by  the  next.  Mrs.  During  has  been  safely 
delivered  of  a  fine  son. 

'  A  Miss  Mackenzie  has  been  placed  under  my  care.  She 
was  born  at  Goree,  but  educated  in  England,  and  is  about  six- 
teen years  of  age.  As  she  can  play  the  organ,  I  should  very 
much  like  to  have  one  for  our  church  ;  we  have  a  good  place 
for  one  in  the  west  gallery.  If  you  would  be  so  kind  as  to 
procure  us  a  cheap  one,  we  should  all  be  very  much  obliged  to 
you.  D.  Noah  begins  to  complain  about  his  chest.  I  am  fre- 
quently obliged  to  lead  singing,  and  the  congregation  being  so 
large,  it  hurts  me  more  than  preaching. 

'  The  whole  income  of  the  Sierra  Leone  Church  Missionary 
Society  is  £118:  8s.  2d.,  of  which  sum  £50:  5s.  2d.,  have 
been  contributed  by  my  humble  flock. 

'  About  the  heresies  which  have  lately  become  prevalent  in 
the  colony,  I  will  leave  Mr.  Garnsey  to  tell  you.  The  devil  is 
going  about  in  two  different  shapes,  like  a  Roaring  Lion,  and 
like  an  Angel  of  Light.  Oh  may  our  covenant  Lord  keep  us 
from  all  heresies  and  false  doctrines.  Sometimes  we  are  attack- 
ed with  great  fury,  but  blessed  be  our  Saviour  who  holds  us 
fast,  and  will  not  let  us  go.  Some  of  the  people  in  our  town 
have  become  very  wicked.  The  communicants  suffer  persecu- 
tion throughout.  Some  of  those  who  are  without,  appear  to 
be  hardened ;  they  have  lost  the  fear  of  man,  which  perhaps 
restrained  them  before,  and  openly  oppose  the  children  of  God  ; 
but  this  drives  us  together,  and  shows  us  more  the  difference 
between  the  seed  of  the  woman  and  the  seed  of  the  serpent. 
Thirty  men  and  women  are  under  a  course  of  instruction  for 
baptism.  The  work  of  mercy,  notwithstanding  the  opposition 
of  the  enemy,  is  going  on.  "  All  things  work  together  for 
good  to  them  who  love  God." 

'  I  know  you  will  be  pleased  with  the  reports  of  the  settle- 
ments. Indeed  it  will  draw  forth  gratitude  from  the  hearts  of 
God's  people,  when  they  consider  how  the  light  of  the  Gospel 


248  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

is  beaming  forth  in  every  direction.  Praise  and  glory  be  to 
our  heavenly  Father,  who  has  again  revived  our  drooping 
hearts  through  the  prospect  before  us !  May  the  God  of  all 
grace  continue  to  prosper  your  undertakings. 

'  William  Johnson.' 


Rev.  W.  Johnson  to  the  Secretaries. 

'Regent's  Town,  March  20,  1821. 
*  Rev.  and  dear  Sirs, 

'  I  wrote  to  you  concerning  Mr.  Randle,  &c.,  in  the  begin- 
ning of  February. 

'  It  has  pleased  our  heavenly  Father  to  raise  me  again  from 
a  bed  of  sickness,  which  I  thought  would  have  proved  ray  last. 
About  the  time  I  wrote  to  you  last,  I  caught  a  severe  cold 
which  settled  upon  my  lungs,  and  my  strength  soon  failed 
through  violent  coughing  and  spitting.  I  went  for  change  to 
Charlotte's  Town,  which  is  not  so  much  exposed  to  the  wind, 
but  received  no  benefit.  I  then  proceeded  to  Freetown,  and 
took  my  abode  in  the  missionary  house,  where  I  have  been 
closely  attended  three  weeks  by  the  doctor.  I  returned  last 
Saturday,  and  am,  through  the  mercy  of  God,  so  far  restored 
that  I  can  do  duty  again.  My  cough  has  not  left  me  quite, 
and  I  am  obliged  to  be  very  careful.  My  people  were  much 
alarmed,  and  earnestly  prayed  for  my  recovery  :  the  Lord  has 
been  pleased  to  hear  their  prayers.  They  wish  much  that 
another  should  take  the  superintendence,  for  they  say  the  work 
is  too  much  for  me.  They  wish  that  I  should  only  preach  the 
word  of  God  to  them.  However,  I  told  them  to  leave  that  in 
the  hand  of  God ;  if  it  was  his  will  that  I  should  be  their 
temporal  and  spiritual  guide,  he  would  give  me  strength 
accordingly. 

'  Mr.  and  Mrs.  During  have  been  dangerously  ill :  !Mr.  D.  is 
recovered,  and  Mrs.  D.  is  recovering.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Norman 
are  both  ill  with  the  fever.  Mr.  N.  I  trust  is  out  of  danger. 
Oh  may  the  Lord  spare  them-!     They  are  people  to  whom  I 


VISIT    OF    THE    AMERICAN    MISSIONARIES.  249 

am   much  attached  ;    and  who   will,  if  spared,  prove  useful 
among  us. 

'  Oh,  my  dear  sirs,  pray  for  us — pray  for  us  !  If  ever  a  Mis- 
sion was  afflicted,  it  is  your  Mission  in  Western  Africa.  Mere 
professors  of  religion  have  joined  the  profane,  and  have  opened 
their  mouths  against  us,  saying,  "  Aha,  aha !  our  eyes  have 
seen  it ! — Ah  !  so  would  we  have  it !"  Oh,  may  the  Lord  hear 
our  cries,  and  overcome  evil  with  good  I 

'  It  is  most  remarkable  that  the  work  of  grace  proceeds  ;  but 
so  it  has  been,  and  so  it  will  be.  "  Through  much  tribulation 
ve  shall  enter  into  the  kingdom."  Next  week  the  Quarterly 
meeting  will  be  held. 

'  Another  American  vessel  has  arrived,  with  Missionaries  for 
the  settlement  on  the  Sherbro  coast.  There  are  four  agents. 
Two  of  them  are  clergymen  of  the  Episcopal  church.  One  of 
them  (Mr.  Andrus)  showed  me  a  letter  from  Mr.  Pratt,  and  I 
was  much  pleased  that  that  letter  had  proved  effectual  to  the 
formation  of  a  Church  Missionary  Society  in  America.  They 
asked  my  advice  as  it  respects  the  Sherbro.  I  advised  them  to 
go  lower  down  the  coast ;  as,  in  the  first  place,  their  present 
situation  is  too  close  to  this  colony ;  secondbj,  vessels  of  150 
tons  and  upwards  cannot  approach  the  settlement  within  ten 
miles ;  and  thirdly,  the  shore  is  very  low,  surrounded  with 
mangroves,  and  therefore  very  unhealthy.  I  also  advised  them 
to  search  for  anotlier  place  before  the  rains,  and  stay  during 
that  season  in  Freetown,  and  immediately  after  to  proceed  to 
the  place  fixed  upon,  as  they  will  then  be  able  to  build  proper 
houses  before  the  rains  come  on  again.  I  have  pointed  out 
two  places  to  them — Cape  Mesurado  and  St.  John's  Kiver, 
Bassa  Country.  I  believe  that  at  both  those  places  there  is 
good  anchorage  for  large  vessels,  and  they  are  both  about  400 
miles  from  this  colony,  and  thus  remove  all  prejudice. 

•'  They  have  taken  my  advice,  and  intend  to  sail  in  a  schooner 
to-morrow  for  those  places.  I  hope  I  have  not  done  wrong  in 
advising  them,  nor  in  giving  W.  Davis  and  Taraba  as  inter- 
preters.    Both   are   acquainted  with  the  coast    and  with  the 


250  MEMOIR    OF   JOHNSON. 

chiefs,  and  will  therefore  be  of  great  service  to  them.  On  their 
return,  they  have  promised  to  put  Tamba  and  Davis  on  the 
Plantains,  from  whence  they  will  proceed  and  visit  all  the  towns 
and  villages  belonging  to  the  Caulkers. 

'  Mr.  Andrus  and  Mr.  Bacon  were  with  us  last  Sunday,  and 
were  much  gratified.  Mr.  Andrus  said  he  had  heard  that  the 
accounts  of  this  place  were  much  exaggerated  ;  but  he  was  sorry 
that  things  were  not  known  more :  he  never  had  seen  a  church 
in  America  filled  with  more  attentive  hearers,  nor  so  large  a 
number  of  communicants  who  had  behaved  with  more  piety  at 
the  Lord's  table,  than  those  here. 

*  If  these  missionaries  should  settle  at  any  of  those  places 
above  mentioned,  would  you  have  any  objection  to  Davis  going 
to  settle  with  them  ?  He  would  be  of  great  service  to  them 
and  to  his  country  ;  indeed  a  large  field  of  usefulness  would  be 
before  him.  Be  so  kind  as  to  let  me  know.  W.  Tamba 
■would  have  gone  before  this  to  the  Plantains,  but  he  would  not 
leave  me  while  I  was  ill. 

'  The  boys  in  the  seminary  have  been  now  for  several  weeks 
without  my  or  Mr.  Norman's  aid  ;  but  as  soon  as  I  get  a  little 
stronger,  I  will  resume  my  instruction.  Be  so  kind  as  to  urge 
forward  the  materials  for  the  new  building.  I  fully  agree  with 
the  plan  of  sending  out  all  the  wood  and  iron  materials  from 
England  ;  they  will  come  cheaper,  and  be  better  made.  The 
50  Bibles  and  30  pocket  Testaments  for  the  youths  in  the  sem- 
inary have  proved  a  great  blessing,  especially  the  former.  The 
marginal  references  have  enabled  the  boys  to  compare  Scripture 
with  Scripture,  and  thus  the  Holy  Book  has  become  familiar 
to  them.  Will  you  be  so  kind  as  to  make  our  grateful  acknow- 
ledgments to  the  Bible  Society,  for  the  great  blessings  they  have 
conferred  upon  the  youths,  in  giving  them  these  precious 
books  ? 

'  I  long  to  hear  of  the  safe  arrival  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  (rarnsey. 

'  I  intended  to  send  a  journal  by  this  conveyance,  but  my 
weak  state  of  health  has  prevented  me.  Many  interesting  cir- 
cumstances hnvo  occurred,  which  would  glad<lpn  your  hearts  ; 


VISIT    OF   THE    AMERICAN    MISSIONARIES,  251 

also  many  conversations  which  I  have  had,  and  do  constantly 
have,  with  my  dear  people,  have  and  do  refresh  me,  and  would 
do  the  same  to  you.  Our  troubles  are  many,  yet  believe  me 
when  I  say,  I  am  not  at  all  discouraged.  I  can,  I  trust,  say 
with  the  apostle  in  the  full  sense,  "  We  are  troubled  on  every 
side,  yet  not  distressed  ;  we  are  perplexed,  but  not  in  despair ; 
persecuted,  yet  not  forsaken  ;  cast  down,  but  not  destroyed." 
Our  Sovereign  Lord  reigneth  ;  and  He  is  "  the  same  yesterday, 
to-day,  and  forever." 

'  My  wife  and  sister  are  both  well,  and  join  me  in  Christian 
regards  to  all  friends. 

'  W.  Johnson.' 

Mr.  Bacon,  one  of  the  American  visitants  just  alluded  to, 
published,  on  his  return  to  Philadelphia,  an  account  of  his  visit 
to  Africa ;  from  which  Mr.  Pratt  extracted,  for  the  Missionary 
Register,  the  following  sketch  of  Regent's  Town  : — 

'■March  17,  1821.  Saturdarj.  About  one  o'clock,  we  ar- 
rived at  Regent's  Town.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Johnson  had  been  at 
Freetown,  where  Mr.  Johnson  was  sick  several  weeks.  On  our 
arrival,  great  numbers  of  his  people  came  to  shake  hands  with 
him,  and  inquired  affectionately  after  his  health:  the  expres- 
sion of  every  countenance  bore  strong  testimony  of  their  ardent 
love  for  him,  and  of  the  joy  which  filled  their  hearts  on  his 
recovery  from  sickness  and  his  safe  return  to  his  flock. 

'  At  six  o'clock  in  the  evening,  the  bell  at  the  church  ran<r 
for  divine  service.  The  people  were  immediately  seen  walking 
from  different  parts  of  the  town  ;  the  parsonage  house  being  so 
situated,  that  there  is  a  fair  view  of  almost  the  whole  settlement : 
and  it  was  delightful  to  observe  the  eagerness  which  the  people  ' 
manifested  to  hear  the  word  of  God.  A  prayer-meeting  was 
held  by  the  communicants  after  the  usual  evening  prayers,  it 
being  expected  that  the  Lord's  Supper  would  be  celebrated  the 
next  day. 

^  March  18,  Sunday.  At  six  o'clock,  the  bell  rang  for  morn- 
ing prayers,  when  the  church  was  again  filled.     How  pleasing 


262  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

to  behold  hundreds  of  tliose,  who  were  onco  wretched  inmates 
of  the  holds  of  slave-ships,  assembled  in  the  house  of  God,  on 
the  morning  of  that  holy  day  on  which  our  blessed  Saviour  rose 
from  the  dead  and  ascended  up  to  heaven  !  With  a  hundred 
copies  of  the  Holy  Bible  spread  open  before  their  black  faces, 
their  eyes  were  fixed  intently  on  the  words  of  the  lesson 
which  their  godly  pastor  was  reading.  Almost  all  Mr.  John- 
son's people,  who  can  read  the  blessed  book,  are  supplied  with 
Bibles  from  that  best  of  institutions,  the  British  and  Foreign 
Bible  Society.  Surely  Christians  ought  to  feel  themselves  en- 
couraged in  the  support  of  Missions,  when  such  cheering  fruits 
present  themselves  to  view  ! 

'At  ten  o'clock,  the  bell  again  rang,  though  the  church  was 
nearly  filled  before  that  hour.  The  members  of  the  well-regu- 
lated schools,  which  passed  in  review  before  the  parsonage  in 
regular  succession,  were  all  clad  in  clean  and  decent  apparel. 
When  we  arrived  at  the  church,  there  were  no-  vacant  seats  to 
be  seen.  The  greatest  attention  was  paid  during  Divine  service. 
'•  Indeed,  I  Avitnessed  a  Christian  congregation  in  a  heathen 
land — a  people  fearinci  God  and  worh\n<j  riqhkousness.  The 
tear  of  godly  sorrow  rolled  down  many  a  coloured  cheek,  and 
shewed  the  contrition  of  a  heart  that  felt  its  own  vileness." 
There  were  three  couples  married,  and  one  child  baptized. 
After  the  sermon,  Mr.  Johnson,  with  the  assistance  of  brother 
Andrus,  administered  the  Communion  of  the  body  and  blood 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  to  nearly  four  hundred  communicants. 
This  indeed  was  a  feast  of  fat  things  to  my  soul. 

'  At  three  o'clock,  the  Church  was  again  filled,  and  the  most 
devout  attention  was  paid  to  the  reading  and  hearing  of  the 
word.  The  whole  congregation  seemed  eager  to  catch  every 
word  which  fell  from  the  pastor's  lips. 

'  Again  before  the  ringing  of  the  bell,  at  six  o'clock  in  the 
evening,  the  peo))le  were  seen  from  the  distant  parts  of  the 
town,  leaving  their  homes,  and  retracing  their  steps  towards 
the  house  of  God.  There  we  again  united  in  praising  that 
God,  who  hath  wrought  such  wonderful  things   even  among 


VISIT    OF    MB.  SINGLETON.  253 

the  mountains  of  Sierra  Leone,  where  the  praises  of  Jehovah 
resound,  not  only  from  His  holy  sanctuary,  but  from  the  hum- 
blest mud-walled  cottage — from  the  tongues  of  those  children 
of  Africa,  Avho  have  been  taken  by  the  avaricious  slave-trader, 
dragged  from  parents,  separated  from  brother  and.  sister,  and 
perhaps  from  wife  or  husband,  bound  in  chains,  hurried  on 
board  the  slave-ship,  crowded  in  a  space  not  exceeding  their 
length  and  breadth,  nor  even  allowed  to  breathe  the  vital  air. 
These  persons,  after  being  re-captured  by  order  of  the  British 
government,  have  been  put  under  the  charge  of  a  faithful 
minister  of  the  gospel,  whose  labours  have  been  accompanied 
by  the  Holy  Spirit.     These  are  the  mig^-ity  works  of  God  !' 

We  now  resume  Mr.  Johnsoi^'s  journal,  for  the  months  of 
April  and  May,  1821 : — 

'  Many  have  been  tbs  difficulties  and  trials  which  of  late 
have  befallen  us,  so  th'tt  even  the  desire  of  writing  my  journal 
seems  almost  gone. 

'Last  week  I  was  informed  that  a  man,  a  West  Indian,  who 
sells  rum  by  tte  road  to  Freetown,  and  whose  craft  had  suf- 
fered througi  my  preaching  against  the  awful  sin  of  drunken- 
ness, wan*--^  to  shoot  me  !  I  took  no  notice  of  the  report. 
Last  Thursday,  one  of  our  men  came  running  after  me  to 
Fceefjwn,  and  said  that  the  above  man  had  loaded  a  gun,  and 
wa-'tetl  my  return  on  the  mountains.  I  still  took  no  notice 
vntil  a  second  and  third  of  my  people  came  and  stated  the 
same.  I  was  very  unwilling  to  inform  against  the  man,  but 
to  preserve  my  life  I  thought  it  my  duty  to  have  him  secured. 
He  was  apprehended  and  brought  before  a  magistrate,  when  it 
was  clearly  proved  he  had  ill  will  against  me.  He  Avas  bound 
to  keep  the  peace.  Had  it  been  in  England,  he  would  not 
have  got  off  so  easy ;  but  I  was  glad  he  was  not  committed 
for  trial.  May  the  Lord  forgive  him,  for  he  knows  not  what 
he  does.  I  know  that  my  God  will  protect  me.  "The  Lord 
is  on  my  side,  I  will  not  foar  what  man  shall  do  unto  me." 

11 


254  MEMOIR    OF    .JOIINSOTf. 

'  April  G.  This  morning,  after  family  prayer,  Mr.  Singleton, 
a  member  of  the  Society  of  Friends,  and  who  has  been  sent 
out  by  that  Society  to  collect  all  the  information  he  could 
about  Africa,  arrived  hero.  It  appears  to  me  that  Christians 
of  every  denomination  begin  to  look  toward  poor  injured  Afri- 
ca. Mr.  S.  appeared  very  reserved  at  first,  but  soon  found 
himself  at  home.  At  eight  we  have  always  family  prayers  in 
our  house.  He  attended,  wept  much,  and  Avhen  I  had  con- 
cluded, begged  leave  to  address  us.  He  seemed  so  much 
affected  that  he  could  scarcely  speak.  He  concluded,  "Peace 
be  to  this  house."' 

'After  breakfast,  wt,  visited  some  of  our  people's  houses, 
and  he  was  much  gratified  to  see  them  so  clean,  and  a  bible  or 
testament  everywhere  on  th-*  table.  He  said  he  never  could 
have  supposed  that  the  people  lived  so  comfortably,  and  ob- 
served that  they  were  by  far  better  off  than  the  most  of  the 
poor  people  of  England.  We  next  visited  the  girls'  school 
and  the  seminary,  with  both  of  which  Vie  was  much  pleased. 
He  addressed  each.  In  the  afternoon  wt,  went  to  Bathurst, 
Leopold's  Town,  and  Charlotte's  Town,  aiH  returned  about 
five  o'clock.  In  the  evening  he  did  a  thing  which  I  suppose 
he  would  not  have  done  for  the  King  !  He  h^d  gone  into 
ch;irch  with  his  hat  on.  Two  men  went  up  to  him  and,  in  a 
polite  manner,  requested  that  he  would  take  off  his  h:*,  which 
he  did,  smiling,  and  appeared  to  be  much  pleased  with  their 
zeal.  \  ■ 

'^  April  7.  Our  fri«;nd  again  attended  the  family  prayer  ^i>^ 
my  house,  and  ■„  -ain  was  much  affected.  He  addressed  us  in 
a  very  Christian-like  manner,  saying  that  he  was  fully  per- 
suaded there  was  no  difference  between  the  true  people  of 
God.  After  breakfast,  we  visited  the  market,  which  gratified 
Mr.  S.  much.  We  then  went  to  see  some  of  the  peojile's 
farms,  and  he  was  still  more  delighted.  At  five  he  went  to 
Freetown  much  gratified. 

'  One  woman  said,  at  the  evening  meeting,  "  When  I  think 
about  the  great  things  God  has  done  for  me,  I  don't  know 


VISIT    OF    MR.    SINGLETON.  255 

what  to  do.  When  I  was  in  ray  own  country,  they  catch  us 
all,  and  then  they  take  all  ray  brothers  and  sisters  and  kill 
them,  me  only  one  left,  (she  could  scarcely  speak,)  and  they 
put  them  in  the  pot  and  boil  them  and  eat  them."  I  inter- 
rupted her,  and  asked  her  if  she  was  sure  that  had  been  the 
case,  which  she  affirmed.  She  continued,  with  tears,  "  Me 
only  one  left — oh  what  great  things  the  Lord  had  done  for 
rne !  poor  guilty  sinner !  Me  so  bad.  I  hope  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  will  have  mercy  on  me.    Oh,  him  one  only  can  save  me." 

*Aman  spoke  for  a  considerable  time.  He  said,  "Them 
words  you  talk  last  Sunday  morning  come  to  my  heart  with 
power.  I  am  sure  the  Holy  Ghost  give  you  them  words  to 
talk.  I  just  stand  that  fashion.  I  just  like  one  who  sleep ; 
just  the  same  as  if  somebody  been  tell  you.  First  time,  me 
feel  glad  too  much  ;  but  this  time  me  feel  so  cold — me  no  feel 
good  at  all ;  me  more  worse  every  day.  My  heart  so  bad, 
trouble  me  too  much.  The  thing  I  no  want  to  remember, 
come  in  my  heart.  Sometimes  me  don't  know  what  me 
must  da." 

'  April  8,  1821.  Spoke  in  the  morning  to  a  crowded  con- 
gregation on  Lara.  iii.  20,  21.  In  the  afternoon,  read  and 
explained  1  John  v.  1 — 8,  and  in  the  evening  preached  on 
Matt,  xxviii.  19.  The  church  was  full  both  afternoon  and 
evening.  The  boys  concluded  the  Lord's  day,  as  usual,  with  a 
prayer-meeting.  This  meeting  has  now  stood  nearly  three 
years,  and  I  believe  has  proved  a  blessing  to  many  of  the 
young.  It  will  ever  be  remembered  that  the  late  George  Paul 
was  the  instrument  who  formed  this  prayer-meeting.  Bless 
the  Lord,  O  my  soul,  for  this  blessed  day.  "  Oh  give  thanks 
unto  the  Lord,  for  he  is  good,  for  his  mercy  endureth  for 
ever !" 

'  The  evening  sermon  w-as  a  missionary  sermon.  I  informed 
the  people  that  the  anniversary  of  the  Regent's  Town  Church 
Missionary  Association  would  be  held  next  Tuesday,  as  on  that 
day  the  monthly  prayer-meeting  will  be  held  at  this  place, 
when  all  the  missionaries  will  be  here. 


256  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON". 

*  April  10.  The  prayer-meeting  was  held  in  my  house  at 
11  o'clock.  "Waited  until  that  time  for  the  brethren  from 
Freetown,  Kent,  and  Wilberforce,  but  none  of  them  came. 
Oh,  that  the  desire  of  being  "present  at  these  meetings  was 
greater !  The  following  only  were  present — Mr.  and  Mrs. 
During,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Taylor,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Davey,  and  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Norman,  and  my  family.  After  the  prayer-meetirig. 
we  had  the  bell  rung  for  the  anniversary.  The  church  was 
full ;  and,  I  trust,  it  "proved  a  good  opportunity  for  us  all.  Out 
friends  dined  with  us,  and  left  at  seven  o'clock.  Praise  be  to 
Him  who  worketh  all  and  in  all.' 

Mr.  Singleton,  on  his  return,  published  a  journal,  anc  a  Re- 
port, in  which  he  thus  speaks  of  Regent's  Town  : — 

'The  population  of  Regent's  Town  is  about  1350:  of  this 
number,  700  are  able  to  provide  for  themselves  and  :arailies, 
by  means  of  their  farms.  One  man  sold  the  produce  of  his 
little  spot,  last  year,  for  £50,  and  the  quantity  of  cassada  sold 
then  was  10,000  bushels. 

*  A  small  market  is  held  each  day  ;  but  the  seventu  day  is 
the  principal  one.  Five  oxen  are  weekly  consumed,  besides 
pork. 

'  The  people,  with  a  few  exceptions,  are  industrious ;  as  may 
be  seen  by  the  improved  liouses  which  they  build  :br  them- 
selves ;  by  their  furniture,  all  of  their  own  making ;  and  by  the 
neatness  and  cleanliness  of  their  habitations.  In  sevei-al  houses 
are  sofas,  covered  with  clean  print,  or  the  country  cloth  ;  tables 
and  forms,  or  chairs ;  and,  especially,  I  noticed  in  eaeh  house  a 
corner-cupboard,  with  its  appropriate  crockery-ware.  The  beds 
and  sleeping-rooms  are  remarkably  neat  and  clean,  A  few  of 
the  inhabitants,  more  ingenious  or  richer  than  the  rest,  are 
building  houses  of  board,  with  stores  below  and  piazza  in 
front, 

'  The  Superintendent  appears  to  have  considerable  influence 
with  the  people,  and  his  advice  is  readily  fullowcd. 


VISIT    OF    MR.    SINGLETON.  25*7 

*  A  woman,  whose  husband  absconded  about  four  years  since, 
and  has  not  been  heard  of  during  that  time,  asked  the  Super- 
intendent, some  time  after  the  man's  departure,  if  she  might 
not  marry  again  :  he  informed  her  that  the  hiw  of  England 
required  a  period  of  seven  years  before  that  was  allowed  :  she 
submitted,  and,  to  the  present,  has  lived  alone,  maintaining 
herself,  and  acting  with  exemplary  propriety. 

'  As  we  were  standing  under  the  piazza  this  morning,  (6th 
day,^  a  young  African  came  to  ask  permission  to  marry.  W. 
Johnson  gave  good  reasons  for  withholding  his  assent,  which 
he  had  scarcely  done  when  he  was  called  away  ;  and  I  advised 
the  hesitat'ng  youth  to  acquiesce.  He  readily  answered,  "  My 
massa  good  man.  He  say  girl  too  young.  We  wait.  I  no 
pass  de  word  of  my  massa." 

'  Returning  from  a  walk  over  one  or  two  of  the  farms,  and 
coming  near  the  market-place,  we  were  met  by  an  elderly  Afri- 
can, with  a  basket  on  his  head,  covered  with  a  cloth.  He 
stopped,  and  placing  the  basket  on  the  ground,  drew  out  a 
glass-bottle,  which  he  held  up,  that  the  Superintendent  might 
see  its  contents,  and  uttered  a  few  words  which  I  could  not 
understand.  The  bottle  contained  palm-wine ;  and  the  man 
in  his  simplicity,  produced  it  uncalled  for,  to  assure  the  Super- 
intendent that  it  Avas  not  rum,  the  use  of  this  liquor  being  pro- 
hitited. 

*  Soon  after  breakfast.  Captain  Grant  came  in.  We  visited 
the  schools  together.  The  girls  behaved  with  seriousness,  and 
appeared  under  good  care.  There  was  an  agreeable  solidity  in 
their  countenances,  which,  I  hope,  indicated  something  good 
within.  The  boys  were  attentive,  and  the  monitors  active  :  as 
was  the  case  too  at  Gloucester  and  Kissey. 

'  I  visited,  with  satisfaction,  the  school  at  Freetown,  and  those 
at  several  of  the  villages  in  the  mountains.  At  Regent's  Town 
I  remained  two  days,  and  left  the  family  and  villagers  with  re- 
gret. This  is  a  favoured  place,  and,  while  there,  I  indulged  in 
a  wish,  that  if  the  Friends  should  be  induced  to  commence  a 


268  MEMOIK    OF    JOHNSON. 

settlement  on  the  Gambia,  their  success  might  equal  lliat  of  the 
Superinteudeat  of  Regent's  Town.' 

We  now  resume  Mr.  Johnson's  journal : — 

'■April  11.  Went  and  visited  some  people.  One  woman 
who  was  ill,  said,  "  Sometimes  I  feel  glad,  sometimes  I  feel 
sorry ;  and  sometimes  full  of  doubts  and  fears.  Yesterday  I 
sorry  too  much  that  I  could  not  come  to  the  missioaary-rueet- 
ing.  I  was  hungry  too  much  for  to  come,  but  I  too  sick. 
Sometimes  me  'fraid  too  much ;  I  think  I  have  sinned  against 
the  Holy  Ghost :  this  trouble  me  too  much.  Me  heart  so  hard 
as  make  me  think  me  sin  against  the  Holy  Ghost.  Sometimes 
me  no  sabby  what  to  do.  Me  can't  pray,  me  so  cold.  Oh  me 
troubled  about  that  too  much,  and  now  I  am  sick.  I  think 
God  punish  me,  and  still  my  heart  so  hard.  Only  thing  that 
comfort  me  is  that  the  Lord  Jesus  came  to  seek  and  save  them 
people  that  lost :  and  that  God  punish  him  people.  He  punish 
me,  me  bad,  and  that  make  me  think  he  love  me.  I  hope  he 
will  pardon  my  sin — them  too  much  upon  me." 

'  Went  to  another  house,  where  I  heard  another  woman  make 
the  same  complaint.  She  added  :  "  One  night  last  week,  vou 
say  that  the  devil  always  try  to  put  bad  people  amongst  God'a 
people,  and  suppose  two,  three,  four  bad  people  only,  live 
amongst  God's  people — them  can  do  harm  to  God's  people  :oo 
much.  Massa,  that  time  you  talk  so,  water  come  out  of  2iy 
eyes.  I  think  I  am  the  one,  the  only  hypocrite.  And  you  say, 
*  Suppose  people  stand  in  that  fashion,  and  die  in  that  state, 
they  stand  worse  than  them  people  that  never  hear  about  ..he 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.'  Them  words,  Massa,  make  me  'fraid  -oo 
much.  I  don't  know  what  to  do  :  I  hope  the  Lord  Jesus  vill 
have  mercy  upon  me." 

'  Another  said,  "  You  see,  Massa,  me  'fraid  too  much,  because 
that  woman  (H.  E.)  she  always  talk  to  me  before-tircie, 
and  tell  me  to  pray.     She  the  same  as  head-woman  amongst 


JOCRNAI,.  259 

us.  She  sabby  talk  God  palaver  too  much — but  you  see 
that  woman  no  good.  All  the  time  she  do  bad.  Some  peo- 
ple tell  me,  they  say  that  woman  hypocrite,  but  I  no  believe 
them.  Josiah  Yamsey,  my  countryman,  tell  me  no  to  believe 
them  people,  because  he  think  people  want  to  give  that  woman 
bad  name :  she  be  christian,  that  make  them  talk  bad  of  her. 
Now,  Massa,  you  see'  that  true.  You  see  that  woman  turn  her 
back  upon  the  Lord  Jesus.  Oh  massa,  ah  that  trouble  me — me 
'fraid  that  by  and  bye  me  stand  in  the  same  fashion."  She  ap- 
peared much  distressed.  I  spoke  (o  her,  and  if  God  the  Spirit  does 
bless  the  same  to  her  soul,  she  will  be  encouraged,  and  "  press 
towards  the  mark  of  the  high  calling  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus." 
^  April  14.  In  the  afternoon,!  Avent  and  visited  some  people. 
The  conversations  which  occurred  would  swell  my  journal  to  a 
great  degree,  so  much  so  that  it  would  become  tedious  both  to 
the  writer  and  to  the  reader.  However,  I  must  make  a  few 
observations  about  a  woman  who  lost  her  husband  in  1817  with 
the  small  pox,  and  married  again  in  the  latter  end  of  that  year 
to  a  man  who  came  from  Freetown,  where  he  had  served  his 
apprenticeship  to  a  blacksmith.  Soon  after  that  she  became 
serious,  and  her  new  husband  also  took  up  a  profession  of 
religion,  and  by  that  means  gained  the  confidence  of  the  people 
at  this  place.  He  then  borrowed  as  much  money  as  he  could, 
and  sold  several  pigs  and  other  articles  which  his  wife  had 
when  he  married  her :  in  short  he  stripped  her  of  everything, 
and  went  to  Freetown  under  the  pretence  of  buying  articles  for 
the  commencement  of  business,  but  alas,  next  day,  news  came 
that  he  had  sailed  with  a  French  vessel  to  Senegal,  and  since 
that  time  he  has  not"  been  heard  of.  The  poor  unfortunate 
woman  carried  her  grief  to  her  God,  who  says,  "  Call  upon  me 
in  the  day  of  trouble; — I  will  deliver  thee,  and  thou  shalt  glo- 
rify me,"  and  it  is  most  wonderful  how  she  has  been  supported. 
Her  trials  have  been  amongst  the  "  all  things  that  woi-k 
together  for  good."  I  believe,  if  there  are  any  who  enjoy  peace 
or  comfort,  she  does,  in  the  humble  cottage,  the  cleanliness  of 
whicli  cannot  be  too  much  admired  :  as  also  her  regular  attend' 


260  MEMOIR    OF   JOHNSON. 

ance  at  divine  worship,  which  she  never  neglects.  I  asked 
her  how  she  got  on  now.  She  said,  "  I  have  plenty  trouble, 
but  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  is  my  father  and  my  husband."  She 
avoids  all  company,  in  order  that  no  evil  report  may  be  raised 
by  those  who  are  without.  She  lives  near  her  country-people, 
who  have,  like  her,  found  the  pearl  of  great  price.  I  cannot 
help  observing  that  when  the  fence  round  the  cottage  wants 
repairing,  her  Christian  country-people  will  join  together,  and 
do  it  gratis.  This  is  another  evidence  of  that  sovereign  grace 
which  turns  the  lion  into  a  lamb.  These  are  all  of  the  Ebo 
nation.  May  the  God  of  sovereign  grace  have  all  praise  and 
glory. 

'  April  16.  Yesterday  morning  it  rained  very  much,  so  that 
some  people  were  prevented  attending  divine  service  in  the 
morning,  especially  such  of  the  women  as  have  small  children. 
The  church  however  was  well  attended  in  the  afternoon  and 
evening.  On  the  whole,  the  Sunday  was  spent  as  usual.  The 
Lord  was  with  us. 

'This  evening  I  examined  those  candidates  that  have  been 
on  trial  since  November,  and  whom  I  intend  to  baptize  next 
Sunday  (being  Easter.)  They  are  twenty-two  in  number.  I 
examined  twelve,  who  gave  me  satisfaction. 

*  April  IV.  Went  to  Leopold's  Town  and  Charlotte's  Town. 
Returned  at  5  p.  m.,  after  service.  I  examined  the  remaining 
candidates.  One  woman,  who  appeared  doubtful,  was  told  to 
wait  till  another  opportunity.  She  seemed  much  disappointed, 
but  I  could  not  feel  satisfied  to  receive  her. 

*  April  20.  Good  Friday.  Divine  service  was  held  as  on 
Sundays.  The  church  was  nearly  full.  In  the  morning  I  spoke 
on  Rom.  v.  8.  In  the  afternoon,  prayer-meeting.  In  the 
evening,  spoke  on  John  xix.  30. 

'  A2>ril  21.  One  man  {J.  Pratt)  who  had  been  told  that  he 
could  not  be  permitted  to  attend  the  Lord's  table,  for  a  slight 
oflfence,  came  to  me  this  morning,  and  said,  "  Massa,  where 
must  I  go  now  ?  I  do  so  bad,  that  true,  I  deserve  to  be  turned 
away  from  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  and  him  people :  but  fov 


JOURNAL.  261 

true,  Massa,  I  cannot  live  without  the  Lord.  What  must  I 
do  ?  What  word  Hve  there  again  that  can  comfort  my  heart  ? 
Suppose  me  run  to  my  country  far  away,  the  word  me  hear 
live  in  my  heart  every  where,  and  car^'t  come  out  again.  To 
what  place  can  me  go  for  peace  ?  I  don't  know  what  to  do." 
The  words  of  St  Peter  came  to  my  mind,  "  Lord,  to  whom  shall 
we  go  ?  Thou  hast  the  words  of  eternal  life."  And  I  could 
not  send 'the  man  away,  without  telling  him  to  come  to  the 
Lord's  table  to  morrow.  He  was  very  thankful,  and  a  great 
burden  appeared  to  have  fallen  from  his  heart.  Cases  like 
this,  I  have  had  frequently.  They  are  like  Noah's  dove,  find- 
ing no  rest  but  in  the  Ark  of  the  covenant, — the  blessed  and 
precious  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

'  In  the  evening,  at  the  usual  meeting,  I  addressed  the  com- 
municants (who  were  all  present  except  one  who  was  sick,)  on 
the  Lord's  Supper.  I  also  called  over  the  names  of  the  candi- 
dates for  baptism.  This  is  a  method  which  I  now  always 
observe.  When  I  receive  any  candidates  for  instruction,  I 
request  on  the  following  Saturday  evening  all  the  candidates  to 
be  present.  I  then  read  over  all  their  names  and  places  of 
abode,  and  request  the  communicants  to  watch  over  them  ;  and 
if  they  should  observe  any  improper  conduct,  they  are  charged 
as  Christians  to  inform  me  of  the  same,  and  the  offender  is  dis- 
missed. The  same  is  repeated,  after  they  have  been  on  trial 
about  three  months,  and  the  last  time  just  before  they  are  bap- 
tized. As  we  have  so  many,  who  come  forward  from  time  to 
time,  I  find  this  a  very  useful  way  of  getting  acquainted  with 
the  conduct  of  those  received  on  trial. 

'  Several  women  spoke  this  evening  concerning  the  state  of 
\heir  souls.  One  said,  who  wept  much,  "  My  heart  fill  up  with 
sin  ;  more  I  pray  more  sin  I  feel,  and  more  worse  I  stand.  My 
heart  plague  me  too  much.  I  think  I  cannot  be  saved,  because 
I  think  nobody  bad  like  me.  Suppose  somebody  can  look  into 
my  heart,  he  can  say,  ' That  woman  bad  for  true?'  Oh  iliy 
sin  pass  me.  Hope  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  will  have  mercy 
upon  me.     Suppose  he  have  no  mercy,  me  must  go  to  hell.' 

11* 


202  MEMOIR    or    JOIIKSON". 

Several  more  spoke  to  the  same  efiect.     Some  of  us  could  not 
forbear  dropping  a  tear  of  sympathy.     "We  sung — 

"Shew  pity,  Lord,  oh  Lord  !  forgive  : 
Lcl  a  repenting  rebel  live ; 
Are  not  thy  mercies  full  and  free. 
May  not  the  sinner  trust  in  thee  ?" 

We  concluded  with  prayer. 

^  April  22.  JSaster  /Sunday.  The  prayer-meeting  in  the 
morning  at  six  o'clock  was  numerously  attended.  About  nine 
o'clock  the  streets  and  roads  began  to  be  in  motion,  all  the 
people  walking  one  way,  i.  e.  to  the  church.  At  ten  o'clock 
the  bell  rang,  and  the  church  was  full.  At  a  quarter  past  ten 
it  rang  again,  and  while  I  was  going,  the  churchwardens  met 
me,  and  said  the  church  was  full  too  much.  I  tried  to  got  all 
the  people  into  the  church,  but  was  obliged  to  leave  some  out- 
side— not  a  spot  being  left  to  accommodate  another  individual. 
Mr.  Norman  read  prayers,  after  which  I  preached  on  Isa.  xliii.  1. 
After  the  sermon  I  baptized  21  adults  and  3  chiMren — 2  adults 
and  1  infant  from  Charlotte.  As  the  communicants  have  now 
increased  to  a  considerable  number,  I  begged  Mr.  During  to 
assist  me  in  administering  the  Lord's  Supper.  Mr.  D.  came 
when  I  commenced  preaching,  having  had  service  at  his  place  an 
hour  sooner.  I  think  I  shall  in  future  administer  the  Lord's  Sup- 
per on  the  last  Sunday  in  the  month,  Mr.  During  will  then  be 
able  to  help  me.  All  the  communicants  (except  the  sick)  were 
present,  and  niiic  luhitcs,  myself  included.  I  trust  we  all  found 
it  good  to  be  there. 

'  Our  attention  was  attracted  by  a  little  boy  about  three  years 
old,  who  AVHS  baptized  with  his  mother.  He  appeared  very 
devout.  Having  knelt  down,  he  placed  his  little  hand  before 
his  eyes,  and  appeared  as  if  in  earnest  prayer,  and  so  remained 
during  the  whole  ceremony.  When  I  poured  water  on  his 
head,  he  remained  still  in  his  devout  posture. 

'  Li  the  afternoon  the  people  kept  prayer-meeting  under  the 
direction  of  Mr.  Norman — mvself  beinsf  too  much  fatigued  to 


KEW5    FROM    IHE    BASSA    COUNTRY.  263 

attend.  In  the  afternoon,  I  spoke  on  1  Cor.  xv.  45.  The  boys 
had  prayer-meeting  as  usual.  This  is  a  day  which  will  be 
known  and  long  remonibered  by  those  who  have  tasted  that 
the  Lord  is  gracious.  O  may  the  Lord  the  Spirit  carry  on  the 
work  of  sovereign  grace  amongst  us,  for  Jesus'  sake.     Amen. 

^  April  23.  Many  people  came  to  me  after  evening  service 
to  speak  to  me  about  the  stale  of  their  souls.  Some  were 
much  distressed,  while  others  rejoiced — having  received  much 
comfort  through  the  ordinances  of  the  past  Lord's  day.  In  the 
afternoon  Mr.  During  came,  and  we  made  two  cliureh-wardens 
for  Regent,  and  two  for  Gloucester.  P.  Hughes  and  Mr.  Vivah 
ivere  chosen  for  Regent. 

'  Ajiril  28.  I  have  been  much  engaged  this  week  with  peo- 
ple who  continue  to  come  and  apply  for  baptism.  Many  gave 
very  satisfactory  iuiswers,  which  induced  me  to  believe  that  a 
work  of  grace  had  been  begun  in  their  hearts.  I  asked  one 
young  man,  why  he  wished  to  be  baptized  ;  he  said,  "  I  have 
nothing  to  say  for  mi'self ;  only  one  thing  I  say,  I  always  feel, 
which  is,  I  am  a  great  sinner,  and.  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  died 
for  sinners.  That  is  why  I  wish  to  be  baptized,  I  cannot  live 
xvithout  him.  I  must  give  up ;  my  heart  always  plagues  me, 
and  the  Lord  only  can  save  rae  from  that."  I  have  also  had 
very  interesting  conversations  with  many  of  the  communicants, 
which  would  till  many  sheeti^.  Their  complaints  are  various, 
but  all  of  one  nature. 

'  Last  night  I  was  agreeably  surprised  at  the  sight  of  Mr.  Bacon, 
who  has  been  down  the  coast  to  the  Bassa  country.  Mr.  Davis, 
accompanied  by  the  King's  son,  came  also.  The  missionaries 
have  succeeded  in  getting  land ;  they  have  a  sufScient  quan- 
tity to  begin  a  colony  in  the  Bassa  country.  It  appears  that 
the  King  of  that  country  is  in  earnest,  or  else  he  would  not 
have  sent  his  son,  which  may  be  taken  as  a  token  of  sincerity, 
as  it  respects  the  land,  &c.,  promised.  I  cannot  express  what 
I  felt  when  the  news  reached  my  ears,  A  heavy  burden  fell  at 
once  from  my  mind,  which  has  been  there  ever  since  I  heard  of 
the  death  of  Mr.  Gates:  for  ho,  humanly  speakingr,  died  of  the 


264  MEMOIR    OF   JOHNSON. 

fatigue  which  he  endured  in  going  to  that  country,  and  I  was 
the  cause  of  his  undertaking  it,  for  I  first  proposed  it  to  him, 
and  urged  a  special  meeting  to  be  held.  But  now  I  see  that 
the  Lord's  ways  are  in  the  deep.  "  How  unsearchable  are  his 
judgments,  and  his  ways  past  finding  out !"  Ilad  Mr.  Gates 
not  gone  there,  the  missionaries  would  not  have  received  land. 
W.  Davis  produced  the  agreement  whicli  the  King  bad  made 
with  Mr.  Gates,  and  which  opened  the  way  immediately.  Thus 
that  dear  servant  of  the  Lord  has  slain  more  at  his  death,  than 
ever  he  did  in  his  life-time.  The  people  were  in  the  evening 
school  -when  Davis  and  the  Prince  arrived.  I  took  the  latter  to 
the  school-bouse;  and  bad  our  friends  in  England  seen  the 
sight,  they  would  have  Avept  for  joy.  His  countrymen,  who 
were  standing  in  their  respective  classes,  left  them  without  ask- 
ing leave,  surrounded  the  son  of  their  King,  shook  hands  with 
him  in  the  most  affectionate  manner,  and  enquired  after  their 
relatives.  Some  leaped  for  joy  when  they  beard  that  their 
parents  were  alive,  and  the  prospect  of  the  Gospel  soon  sound- 
ing in  their  ears,  caused  such  sensations  as  cannot  well  be 
described.  D.  Noah  beard  that  his  father  and  brethren  were 
all  alive  and  well.  W.  Davis  said  he  bad  seen  some  of  those 
who  sold  him  as  a  slave,  and  who  tried  to  bide  themselves,  be- 
ing ashamed  to  took  at  him.  The  mistress  of  bis  late  master, 
when  she  saw  hijn,  ran  towards  him,  fell  upon  bis  neck  and 
wept.  He  beard  that  bis  mother  was  alive,  but  too  far 
in  the  interior  to  enable  him  to  pay  ber  a  visit  this  time. 
However,  he  sent  ber  a  present,  and  word  that  be  '^boped 
soon  to  see  her,  and  to  have  ber  in  bis  family.  Some  of 
the  people  were  so  struck  when  they  saw  Davis,  that  they 
scarcely  would  believe  that  be  was  the  same ;  as  an  instance  of 
one  returning  who  bad  been  sold,  bad  never  occurred  before. 
Is  not  this  a  Joseph's  case.  The  missionaries  have  agreed  to 
settle  on  the  shores  of  the  Bassa  country  in  the  middle  of  the 
dry  season. 

^  April  29.    This  holy  day  was  spent  as  usual.     The  church 
was  full  three  times.     Spoke  in  the  morning  on  Matthew  ix.  12, 


JOURNAL.  265 

Explained  in  the  afternoon  1  Tliess.  v.  1 — 13  ;  and  in  tbe  even- 
ing preached  on  Rev.  xxi.  6.  Was  much  fatigued  in  the  even- 
ing, as  the  day  was  so  remarkably  hot,  and  the  church  so  full, 
that  I  could  scarcely  breathe.  My  soul,  raise  an  Ebenezer  to 
the  Covenant  Jehovah,  who  has  again  wonderfully  sustained 
thee.  As  thy  days,  so  shall  thy  strength  be.  Oh  Lord,  what 
shall  I,  the  most  unworthy  of  thy  servants,  render  unto  thee  for 
all  thy  benefits  towards  me  ?  Thou  overwhelmest  me  with 
mercies,  all  of  which  I  am  unworthy  of.  Receive,  O  Lord,  my 
unworthy  tribute  of  praise  and  thanksgiving. 

'■May  1.  Last  night  and  to-night  I  examined  some  people 
who  were  desirous  of  being  baptized.  I  received  eighteen  on 
trial,  wKo  were  particularly  recommended  by  their  neighbours, 
who  are  communicants. 

'  May  4.  More  candidates  for  baptism  have  been  received 
to-night,  and  the  night  before  last.  The  whole  number  is  now 
thirty-three,  who  will  be  on  trial  at  least  four  or  five  months, 
and  then  instructed  for  the  ordinances  of  baptism  and  the 
Lord's  supper.  Oh  my  God  and  Saviour,  thy  unworthy  crea- 
ture desires  to  praise  and  bless  thee  for  the  power  with  which 
thou  accompaniest  thy  holy  word.  Oh  may  thy  poor  servant 
be  enabled,  through  the  influence  of  the  Spirit,  to  preach  Christ 
crucified,  which  is  indeed  the  power  of  God  and  the  wisdom  of 
God. 

'  May  5.  This  evening,  one  man  said,  "  Massa,  them  words 
you  talk  last  Sunday  morning,  sweet  too  much  to  my  heart. 
That  time  me  come  to  church  me  so  much  trouble.  My  heart 
full  up  with  sin.  Me  stand  like  sick  person.  Oh  me  sorry  for 
my  sin.  Me  sit  down,  and  by  and  bye,  when  you  begin  to  talk 
them  words  in  Matt.  ix.  12,  you  say  sick  people  want  a  doctor, 
but  them  people  no  sick  no  want  doctor.  Me  say,  ah,  that  is 
true.  Suppose  me  sick,  me  can't  go  for  doctor.  By  and  bye 
you  ask,  "  Who  is  sick  in  this  congregation  ?"  and  then  you 
tell  us  who  them  sick  people  be  the  Lord  talk  about  in  the 
Bible,  and  then  you  begin  to  talk  about  them.  Ah,  Massa, 
same  thing  live  in  my  Iioart,  and  me  say  them  words  God  send 


206  MEMOin    OK    JOHNSON'. 

to  me  to-day.  I>y  and  bye  you  talk  about  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  him  the  doctor  for  heart-sick  people.  Oh,  them  words 
make  me  glad.  You  talk  plenty  about  the  medicine  he  give, 
and  that  he  take  no  money  ;  he  give  it  freely.  Oh  raassa,  that 
make  me  so  glad.  That  time  me  go  home,  me  have  comfort 
too  much.  Thank  God,  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  take  him  own 
blood  for  medicine,  and  take  all  my  sin  away." 

'  Several  more  spoke,  which  gave  me  much  comfort  also. 

'  J/ay  6.  Sunday.  Divine  service  as  usual.  Spoke  in  the 
morning  on  Matt.  v.  4  :  in  the  afternoon,  read  and  explained 
Titus  ii.  and  in  the  evening,  on  Rom.  viii.  15.  "  Abba,  Father." 

'  Jfay  14,  A  whole  week  has  elapsed,  and  the  many  circum- 
stances and  conversations  which  have  occurred  would  be  pleas- 
ing to  every  child  of  God.  Yot  it  is  impossible  to  commit 
them  all  to  paper  or  memory,  Avhich  all  times  in  Africa  is  some- 
what weak.  I  shall  therefore  only  notice  the  outlines  of  what 
Las  come  to  pass, 

'Last  Monday,  the  anniversary  of  ihe  Churcli  l^Iissionary 
Association  of  Gloucester  was  held,  and  that  of  Charlotte  on 
Tuesday  :  tlie  latter  was  particularly  interesting.  On  Saturday 
evening  there  occurred  sweet  conversation  at  this  place.  What 
occurred  it  will  be  impossible  to  say.  I  can  only  say  that  the 
God  of  sovereign  grace  carries  on  his  work  in  a  wonderful  man- 
ner.    Praise  and  glory  be  to  his  holy  name. 

'Divine  service  w'as  held  as  usual  yesterday  :  I  spoke  in  the 
morning  on  Matt.  ix.  24.  In  the  afternoon,  I  went  to  Char^ 
lotte,  as  Mr.  Taylor  was  ill,  and  spoke  there  on  1  John  iii,  9, 
10,  There  were  but  few  present ;  some  appeared  very  atten* 
tive :  two  men  wept  much  when  I  spoke  on  the  evidences  of  a 
Christian.  After  service  I  returned  to  Regent's,  and  preached 
in  the  evening  on  Isa.  xliv,  20,  21.  May  the  Lord  Jehovah  be 
praised  for  giving  his  unworthy  creature  health  and  strength  to 
speak  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus.  Sickness  has  commenced 
with  the  rainy  season,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Taylor,  Mr.  Davey,  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Norman,  and  my  sister,  arc  all  ill  with  the  fever. 

'  In  the  evening,  a  yountf  nian  came  to  me  and  said,  "  Mas?a, 


JOURNAL.  267 

them  words  you  talk  last  niglit  strike  me  too  much.  When 
you  preach,  you  read  the  14th  and  15th  verses  of  the  44th 
Isaiah,  p.nd.  explain  them.  You  show  how  our  country  people 
stand.  Me  say,  "  Ah,  who  tell  Massa  all  this  ?  He  never  been 
in  my  country."  You  say,  "  Do  not  your  country-people  live  in 
that  fashion  ?"  I  say,  "Yes,  that  true;  God  knows  all  things. 
He  put  them  things  in  the  Bible."  Massa,  I  so  sure  that  the 
Bible  God's  word,  for  man  cannot  put  all  things  there,  because 
he  no  see  it.  That  time  I  live  in  my  country,  I  live  with  a  man 
that  make  gregree.  He  take  mc  into  the  bush  and  teach  me 
to  mate  gregree  too.  He  shew  me  one  tree.  He  say,  "  That 
gregree  tree."  He  take  country  axe  and  cut  some  of  that  tree. 
He  make  a  god,  and  he  take  the  leaves  and  that  what  was  left, 
and  give  me  to  carry  home.  When  we  came  liome,  he  make  a 
fire,  and.  all  the  people  come  and  sit  round  the  fire.  Then  they 
cook  and  eat.  When  they  done  eat,  the  man  take  the  leaves 
of  the  gregree-tree  and  burn  them  in  the  fire,  and  then  all  the 
people  stand  round  the  fire,  and  clap  their  hands  and  cry, 
"  Aha,  aha."  Massa,  when  you  read  that  verse,  I  can't  tell  you 
what  I  feel.  You  then  begin  to  talk  about  the  text,  (20th 
verse,)  "  He  feedeth  on  ashes  ;"  and  I  was  struck  again,  for 
when  they  done  cry,  "  Aha,"  they  take  the  ashes  and  make 
medicine ;  they  give  it  to  people  when  they  be  sick.  You  been 
see  some  gregree  which  looks  like  dirt ;  that  is  the  same  ashes 
they  carry  that  our  poor  countrymen  feed  on  ashes.  For  true 
the  Bible  God's  word.  Again  you  talk  about  the  twenty -first 
verse,  and  tell  us  to  remember  this,  and  look  back  and  see  how 
God  pull  us  like  brand  out  of  the  fire.  Massa,  I  thank  God  for 
the  word  I  hear  last  night ;  it  make  my  heart  sorry  for  my 
country-people,  but  it  make  my  heart  glad  when  I  see  what 
God  done  for  me.  But  me  so  wicked.  God  love  me  so  much, 
and  still  my  heart  so  cold.  Massa,  one  thing  trouble  me  too 
much,  sometimes  you  talk  about  whoremongers  and  adulterers. 
I  must  say  I  not  done  that  sin  yet,  but  I  am  so  'fraid  by-and- 
by  I  shall  do  that  sin.  Me  done  that  sin  plenty  times  with  my 
heart,     I  hope  the  Lord  Jesus  will  have  mercv  upon  me  and 


268  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

keep  me.  Another  thing  trouble  rae  ;  I  don't  know  if  you  like  to 
hear  it,  but  I  will  tell  you.  My  heart  trouble  nie  too  much  about 
my  country -people — me  so  much  want  to  be  a  teacher  to  them. 
I  wanted  to  tell  you  before,  but  me  so  ashamed  ;  but  when  you 
preach  last  night  about  our  country-people,  I  think  I  must  tell 
you."  I  gave  him  some  advice,  which  I  pray  God  the  Spirit 
may  bless  to  him. 

'■May  21.  Last  Tuesday  evening  I  received  a  note  from  J. 
RefFell,  Esq.,  Chief  Superintendent  of  captured  negroes,  in  -which 
I  was  informed  that  a  slave  vessel  had  been  brought  in  with 
238  unfortunate  fellow-creatures,  and  that  he  and  the  Acting 
Governor  had  agreed  to  send  them  all  to  Regent's  Town ;  and 
begged  me  therefore  to  go  to  Freetown  the  following  morning 
and  receive  them. 

'  On  Wednesday  morning  I  went  with  some  people  to  receive 
them.  Those  who  remained  at  home,  prepared  food  for  their 
poor  unfortunate  country-people.  However,  we  were  all  disap- 
pointed, as  the  court  of  the  Mixed  Commission  had  not  con- 
demned the  vessel.  Mr.  RefFell,  who  disembarked  the  negroes, 
no  doubt  saved  many  lives,  for  which  he  was  blamed  by  the 
stift'  Court  of  Commissioners.  The  vessel  was  a  small  schooner, 
and  many  of  the  poor  creatures  are  ill  and  reduced  to  skeletons. 
As  the  court  only  sat  on  Wednesday,  I  sent  the  people  home 
again,  and  stayed  in  Freetown  myself  to  hear  the  result  of  the 
court. 

'  I  was  informed  on  Thursday  that  the  slaves  and  vessel  were 
condemned  by  the  court.  The  description  was  then  taken, 
after  whicb  217  were  delivered  tome, — the  rest,  being  sick, 
were  carried  to  Leicester  Hospital.  I  was  obliged  to  have  them 
surrounded  by  our  people,  and  marched  so  out  of  Freetown,  as 
the  soldiers  of  the  Fort  were  on  the  look-out  to  get  some  of 
them  for  wives  !  I  am  sorry  to  say,  the  soldiers  are  a  nuisance 
to  the  colony. 

'  I  cannot  describe  the  scenes  which  occurred  when  we  ar- 
rived at  Regent's  Town.  I  have  seen  many  negroes  landed, 
but  never  beheld  such  an  affecting  sight.     As  soon  as  we  came 


i| 


AN    EARTHQUAKE.  269 

in  sight,  all  the  people  came  out  of  their  houses  to  meet  us, 
with  loud  acclamations.  When  they  beheld  the  new  people 
weak  and  faint,  they  carried  and  led  them  up  towards  my 
house.  After  they  had  lain  on  the  ground,  being  quite  exhaust- 
ed, many  of  our  people  recognized  their  friends  and  relatives, 
and  there  was  a  general  cry,  "Oh,  massa,  my  sister!"  "My 
brother  !"  "  My  sister  !"  "  My  countryman  !"  "  My  country- 
woman ?"  &c.  The  poor  creatures  being  faint — ^just  taken  out 
of  the  hold  of  a  slave-vessel,  and  unconscious  of  what  had  be- 
fallen them — did  not  know  whether  they  should  laugh  or  cry 
when  they  beheld  the  countenances  of  those  whom  they  had 
supposed  long  dead,  but  now  saw  clothed  and  clean,  and  per- 
haps with  healthy  children  in  their  arms. 

'  The  school-boys  and  girls  brought  the  victuals  they  had 
prepared,  and  all  the  people  following  their  example,  ran  to 
their  houses,  and  brought  what  they  had  got  ready,  and  in  a 
short  time  their  unfortunate  country -people  were  overpowered 
with  messes  of  every  description  ;  and  they  made  a  good  din- 
ner, such  as  they  had  not  been  accustomed  to  for  a  long  while. 
Pine-apples,  ground-nuts,  and  oranges  were  also  brought  in 
great  abundance. 

'I  lodged  for  the  night  the  men  and  boys  in  the  boys' 
school,  and  the  women  and  girls  in  the  girls'  school. 

'Another  remarkable  circumstance  occurred  the  same  day; 
a  rattling  noise  proceeded  from  the  East  to  the  West,  and  was 
immediately  succeeded  by  an  earthquake.  All  the  buildings 
shook  for  a  short  time.  My  sister  who  had  just  recovered  from 
the  fever,  and  was  up  stairs,  heard  an  unusual  noise,  when 
instantly  every  thing  was  in  motion.  The  chairs,  tables,  glasses, 
&c.,  moved,  and  the  doors  opened  and  shut  again  repeatedly. 
She  rose  to  get  down  stairs,  but  felt  so  giddy  that  she  stag- 
gered as  she  went,  and  could  get  no  further  than  the  staircase, 
where  she  sat  down.  The  girls  ran  down,  crying,  "  The  house 
want  to  fidl."  Mrs.  J.  who  was  in  the  yard,  felt  also  giddy. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Norman  heard  the  noise,  and  saw  every  thino-  in 
their  house  in  motion.      The  school-girls  were  beating  rice, 


270  ilKMOIK    OF    JOHNSON. 

whea  they  at  once  saw  all  the  mortars  in  motion  ;  they  threw 
away  their  pestles,  and  came  to  ray  house.  One  girl  was  at 
the  brook  to  get  water.  She  saw  the  water  in  an  unusual 
motion,  and  sat  down  to  behold  the  scene,  when  the  rock  on 
wliich  she  sat  was  moved  under  her  !  so  she  left  her  pot  and 
ran  off!  One  man  ran  out  of  his  house,  and  calling  his  family, 
saying,  "  I  have  not  kept  family  prayer  this  morning,  and  God 
wants  to  pull  down  my  house."  They  assembled  and  had 
prayer  during  the  earthquake.  Some  who  were  sick,  finding 
their  beds  shake,  gathered  all  the  strength  they  had,  and  got 
out  of  their  houses.  All  the  people  came  to  church  in  the 
evening,  and  I  spoke  on  the  circumstance. 

'  On  Friday  morning  I  distributed  the  new  people.  I  picked 
out  sixty-eight  boys  and  sixty-o.ne  girls  for  the  schools  ;  the 
remainder  (men  and  women)  I  distributed  among  the  people. 
Several  had  the  joy  to  take  a  brother  or  sister  home.  One  boy 
in  the  seminary  found  a  sister  younger  than  himself  among 
them,  who  remains  in  the  girls'  school. 

'  In  the  evening  the  church  was  crowded  again.  One  school- 
girl put  some  of  her  own  clothing  on  one  of  the  new  girls,  in 
order  to  take  her  to  church.  AVhen  the  poor  girl  came  before 
the  church,  and  saw  the  quantity  of  people,  she  ran  back  cry- 
ing. She  said,  she  had  been  sold  too  much,  and  did  not  want 
to  be  sold  again.  Poor  creature  !  she  thought  she  was  going 
to  market,  to  be  sold  again.  The  girls  had  some  trouble  to 
persuade  her  otherwise. 

'On  Saturday  evening  much  was  said  respecting  the  earth- 
quake. It  appeai-s  that  the  shock  has  been  felt  at  Freetown 
and  other  parts  of  the  colony,  but  nowhere  so  severely  as  here. 
This  may  be  accounted  for  by  our  nearness  to  Sugar  Loaf 
Mountain. 

'When  the  bell  rang  yesterday,  the  church  was  instantly 
filled,  and  many  had  to  remain  outside,  though  I  placed  the 
people  as  close  as  possible.  The  church  is  now  too  small,  and 
the  number  of  hearers  will  increase  on  account  of  the  new  peo- 
ple.    I  have  planned  another  addition,  which  we  shall  begin  as 


\ 


JOURNAL.  271 

soou  as  permission  is  granted.  I  intend  to  take  the  north  side 
out,  and  throw  the  whole  under  a  double  roof,  substituting  pil- 
lars for  the  present  north  wall,  and  to  place  the  pulpit  on  the 
south  side,  in  the  middle.  It  will  then  be  80  feet  long  by  64. 
Galleries  may  be  placed  all  round,  which  will  make  it  as  large 
again.     May  the  Lord  bless  all  our  feeble  endeavours  ! 

^  May  26.  Much  has  occurred  recently,  which  would  gratify 
every  one  who  knows  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus. 

'  Last  night,  I  spoke  on  the  latter  part  of  1  Cor.  xv.  After 
-service  a  number  of  people  followed  me  to  my  house,  prin- 
cipally communicants.  One  woman  said,  "  Massa,  that  word 
you  talk  to-night  first  much  against  me,  but  afterwards  it  make 
me  glad.  First  when  you  explain  the  day  of  judgment,  me 
'fraid  too  much ;  but  then  you  talk  again,  and  me  think  me 
the  one  that  can  say,  Thanks  be  to  God,  who  giveth  us  the 
victory  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ !  Suppose  God  no  love 
me  with  an  everlasting  love,  he  cannot  do  all  them  things  for 
me  which  he  has  done.  Oh,  Massa  1  I  can't  tell  you  all  what 
I  see  this  time,  what  God  done  for  me.  He  bring  me  out  from 
my  country — me  so  many  times  sick,  but  he  spare  me — plenty 
of  them  people  that  come  in  same  ship  dead  now.  You  know, 
Massa,  me  been  plenty  times  sick,  and  last  time  me  think  me 
time  come — me  pray  long  time,  and  God  hear  my  prayer. 
Suppose  me  no  belong  to  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  he  no  hear 
my  prayer.  That  hymn  which  me  sing  plenty  times  comfort 
me — 

Guide  me,  O  thou  great  Jehovah, 

Pilgrim  through  this  barren  land, 
I  am  weak,  but  thou  art  mighty. 

Hold  me  with  thy  powerful  hand. 

'  May  27.  Sunday.  At  nine  o'clock  the  people  began  to 
come  from  every  quarter,  and  when  the  bell  rung  the  first  time 
the  church  was  full.  Spoke  on  Psalm  xxxviii.  6.  After  ser- 
mon Mr.  During  joined  us.  It  being  the  last  Sunday  in  the 
month,  he  assisted  me  to  administer  the  Lord's  Supper.  I  be- 
lieve all  but  the  sick  were  present.     Prayer-meeting  was  held 


272  MEMOIR    OF    JOHKSOK. 

in  the  afternoon.  SpoTce  in  the  evening  on  John  vi,  36 — 39. 
Be  thou  praised,  O  Lord,  for  the  manifestations  of  thy  love, 
with  which  thou  hast  manifested  thyself  to  thy  people  to-day. 

'  May  28.  A  woman  said  this  evening,  "  Me  the  same  like 
a  goat ;  yes,  me  worse  like  a  goat.  I  see  the  goats  walk  to- 
gether, they  eat  a  little  here  and.  a  little  there,  and  they  are 
satisfied.  But  me  always  troubled,  and  me  no  like  this  and 
that — me  not  satisfied,  and  my  heart  worse  past  every  thing. 
You  see  me  bad  past  goat :  the  wicked  be  called  goats  in  the 
Bible,  and  me  worse  than  the  wicked." 

'  June  6.  Time  will  not  permit  me  to  say  more  at  present. 
W.  Tamba  has  this  moment  arrived. 

'  Sir  George  Collier  has  brought  more  slaves  in  to-day.  I 
suppose  I  shall  get  more  people  to-morrow.  I  hear  that  more 
have  been  captured,  Avhich  are  on  their  way  to  Sierra  Leone 
under  the  direction  of  a  man-of-war.' 

Rev.  W.  Johnson  to  the  Secretaries. 

'Regent's  Town,  Oct.  10,  1821. 
'  Rev.  and  dear  Sirs, 
'I  had  anticipated  that  through  the  mercy  of  our  God  we 
should  escape  the  rainy  season  without  losing  any  from  our  field 
of  labour,  but  our  Lord  has  seen  fit  to  visit  us  again.  Perhaps 
you  have  already  heard  that  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hughes  of  the  Gam- 
bia are  dead ;  also  Mr.  Renner,  your  oldest  Missionary,  is  no 
more.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hughes  died  of  the  fever.  Mr.  Renner, 
I  understand,  had  the  yellow  jaundice.  The  Gambia  and  Free- 
town have  lost  many,  especially  of  those  who  arrived  before 
the  rains  set  in.  As  far  as  I  can  learn,  25  out  of  50  have  died 
at  Freetown.  We  have  been  wonderfully  preserved  here.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Norman  only  have  suftered  severely,  but  they  now 
enjoy  good  health.  My  sister  has  had  the  fever,  but  not 
severely.  Mrs.  J.  and  myself  have  had  no  fever  at  all.  I  be- 
lieve our  place  has  become  more  healthy.  Mr.  Beckley  is  now 
at  Kent  wilh  Mrs.  Renner. 


TROUBLES.  2*73 

'  Mr.  Reffell  has  of  late  come  ifeucli  to  our  side.  He  fre- 
quently attends  divine  service  here.  I  do  not  mean  to  say  that 
he  is  a  changed  man,  but  he  has  of  late  become  well  disposed. 
He  has  offered  me  a  conveyance  for  visiting  all  the  settlements, 
which  I  have  accepted.  He  has  written  to  York,  Kent,  &c., 
and  desired  that  such  as  wish  to  be  married  should  be  ready 
for  the  matrimonial  ceremony  on  my  arrival.  He  wishes  that 
I  should  address  the  people.  He  intends  to  accompany  me. 
We  leave  this  place  on  Monday  next. 

'  Our  prospects  of  a  mission  in  the  Bassa  country,  which  were 
some  time  ago  so  very  bright,  are  entirely  beclouded  again. 
Mr.  Andrus  is  dead,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bacon  have  returned  to 
Amenca.  I  have  now  to  add  the  death  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Winn, 
and  the  Bassa  King's  son.  The  former  died  of  the  fever  in  a 
week,  and  the  latter  with  the  bowel-complaint.  What  shall 
we  say  to  these  things  ?  Is  the  time  for  the  Bassas  not  come  ? 
But  we  will  leave  this  to  our  God,  and  wait  patiently  for  Him 
to  remove  the  gloom.  His  hand  is  not  shortened  that  it  can- 
not save,  neither  is  his  ear  heavy  that  it  cannot  hear.  It  is 
enough  that  the  Lord  has  said,  "  Ethiopia  shall  stretch  out  her 
hands  unto  God." 

'  One  of  the  American  agents  survives — Mr.  Wiltberger.  I 
am  sorry  to  say  we  have  lost  many  of  our  new  people ;  the  poor 
creatures  were  much  reduced,  having  been  so  closely  packed  in 
the  slave-vessel,  that  the  rains  were  more  than  they  could  en- 
dure. We  have  lost  nearly  50  out  of  238,  and  I  believe  this 
mortality  has  been  exceeded  in  other  places. 

'  I  am  soiTy  that  the  Anniversary  of  the  Bible  Society  is 
not  held  this  year ;  it  has  been  put  off  from  month  to  month, 
till  scarcely  anything  is  said  about  it.  I  think  we  could  get 
some  subscriptions  for  our  Society  in  Freetown,  if  a  sermon  was 
preached  in  its  behalf;  but  as  that  is  not  done,  nor  the  Society 
ever  mentioned,  we  can  expect  nothing  from  that  quarter. 

'  We  go  on  as  usual  in  spiritual  things.  The  Lord  is  with 
us.  We  have  many  trials,  but  the  Lord's  work  proceeds.  I 
sometimes  believe  myself  to  be  the  happiest  man  in  the  world. 


274  MEMOIR    OF    JOHSSOK. 

and  would  not  change  my  situation  for  all  the  crowns  on  earth  ; 
while  at  other  tiines  I  exclaim  with  the  prophet,  "  Oh  that  mine 
head  wore  waters,  and  mine  eyes  fountains  of  tears,  that  I 
might  weep  day  and  night  for  the  slain  of  the  daughter  of  my 
people." 

'  I  cannot  say  how  many  communicants  we  have  at  present ; 
the  number  is  great,  I  am  afraid  to  number  them.  (2  Sam.  xxiv.) 

'  We  have  again  laboured  under  a  scarcity ;  the  rice  harvest 
having  failed  :  this  has  been  advantageous  to  our  pe^^nle,  as 
they  have  sold  and  continue  to  sell  large  quantities  of  cocoa 
and  cassada. 

'We  now  act  on  a  plan,  wliich,  as  it  respects  quarterly 
and  monthly  prayer-meetings,  is  the  best  which  could  have 
been  formed. 

'  Your  Mission  in  Africa,  my  dear  Sirs,  is  I  believe  more 
troubled  than  any  other.  I  can  compare  it  to  nothing  better 
than  a  vessel  in  a  heavy  gale  of  wind  on  the  ocean  :  the  gale 
however,  proves  favourable,  and  pushes  it  forward. 

'I  hope  that  you  will  be  enabled  to  send  us  more  help,  and 
that  they  who  come  will  prove  of  the  right  sort,  not  inclined  to 
"  look  back." 

'  I  am,  &c. 

'  W.  Johnson.' 


Rev.  W.  Johnson  to  the  Secretaries. 

'Regent's  Town  Dec.  29,  1821. 
'  Rev.  and  dear  Sirs, 

'Your  kind  letter  of  August  29,  1821,  has  reached  me.  I 
row  forward  the  enclosed  papers. 

'Sir  C  Macarthy  has  arrived,  as  you  will  see  in  the  Gazette. 
I  exhorted  the  people  to  receive  him  with  all  the  honour  and 
affection  due  to  him,  which  they  did  in  a  Christian  like  man- 
ner, much  to  my  satisfaction.  Two  lines,  three  and  four  deep, 
were  formed  from  the  bridge  up  to  ray  house.  Men,  women, 
and  children  were  neatly  dressed  and  decorated  with  flowers  of 


RETURN    OF    THE    GOVEKNOR,  275 

the  country.  Twelve  girls  were  dressed  in  white,  with  green 
ribbons,  and  decorated  with  roses,  the  eldest  bearing  a  banner. 
If  you  A\^1I  be  so  good  as  to  peruse  the  Gazette  of  Dec.  8, 1821, 
you  will  see  the  particulars.  Sir  Charles  seemed  quite  over- 
come, and  the  gentlemen  who  were  with  him  stood  and  beheld 
the  scene  with  astonishment.  I  hope  he  is  convinced  that  our 
religion  teaches  a  man  to  be  loyal,  and  not  disaffected. 

'  I  have  only  time  to  give  you  outlines  of  our  proceedings. 
I  have  been,  and  am  now  so  busy,  that  it  is  impossible  to  send 
you  my  journal. 

'  The  Lord  is  still  doing  great  things  for  us.  His  work  pros- 
pers in  our  hands.  We  held  the  Anniversary  at  Gloucester  on 
Wednesday.  A  crowded  congregation  attended.  Mr.  Flood 
had  been  requested  to  preach,  but  was  hindered  through  indis- 
position. Myself  having  preached  last  Christmas,  it  fell  on  Mr. 
During,  who  preached  from  John  xxi.  17.  "Feed  my  sheep." 
Mr.  D.  and  myself  waited  upon  Sir  Charles  last  week, -and 
requested  him  to  do  us  the  honour  to  take  the  chair,  to  which 
his  Excellency  consented,  apparently  with  much  pleasure.  He 
fulfilled  our  wishes.  I  cannot  say  too  much  of  the  meeting,  I 
think  it  was  the  most  interesting  one  I  ever  attended. 

'  The  Europeans  of  Freetown  have  inspected  the  mountains, 
and  have  been  so  surprised  at  the  order,  industry  and  piety  of 
our  people,  that  their  mouths  are  completely  stopped.  They 
acknowledge  now  that  the  Gospel  is  the  only  means  to  civilize 
the  heathen.  Several  have  requested  me  to  call  upon  them  for 
their  contributions  to  our  Society.  I  shall  comply  with  their 
wishes  next  Monday.  The  Governor  has  also  requested  me  to 
call  upon  him  for  the  same  purpose.  My  humble  flock  has 
contributed  £72  8s.  Id.  this  year,  and  it  has  not  a  little  sur- 
prised the  colonists. 

'  Jan.  2,  1822.  I  returned  last  night  from  Freetown,  having 
had  an  interview  with  Sir  Charles.  His  Excellency  wished  me 
to  accompany  Mr.  Reff'ell  to  Wilberforce,  to  arrange  matters  for 
the  present  as  well  as  circumstances  would  permit.  Accordingly 
we  went  yesterday  morning,  and  found  the  place  in  a  deplorable 


276  MEMOIR    OF    JOHXSOX. 

state.  We  have  taken  all  the  mechanics  away,  and  placed 
them  at  Gloucester,  so  that  thej  may  be  employed  on  the  Hos- 
pital at  Leicester,  which  wants  repairing.  A  few  Dhilors  we 
sent  to  Regent's  Town. 

*  His  Excellency  has  been  pleased  to  give  me  £10,  as  his  con- 
tribution to  the  Society.  Several  other  gentlemen  have  given 
me  donations  and  subscriptions.  Mr.  K.  Macaulay  gave  me 
£12  2s.  I  have  now  in  all  for  the  past  year  £177  18s.  lOd! 
The  gentlemen  in  Freetown  are  now  so  convinced  of  the  suc- 
cess produced  by  the  preaching  of  the  Gospel,  that  they  pub- 
licly confess  that  above  all  other  institutions,  ours  has  proved  the 
most  beneficial  to  the  children  of  Africa.  One  of  the  editors 
has  begged  me  to  answer  him  several  queries,  which  he  intends 
to  publish,  but  I  feel  very  reluctant  to  comply  with  his  request. 
I  am  much  exposed  to  flattery  at  present,  which  does  not 
benefit  my  proud  heart.  Oh,  my  dear  Sirs,  above  all,  pray  for 
me,  that  the  Lord  may  keep  me  humble !  I  am  really  in  dan- 
ger, because  I  prosper.  May  I  be  kept  at  the  feet  of  Jesus, 
and  aim  at  nothing  but  to  promote  his  glory. 

'  Tamba,  I  am  happy  to  say,  conducts  himself  with  great 
propriety.  The  people  under  his  care  at  Bathurst  do  certainly 
improve,  and  the  schools  are  in  good  order.  I  am  sorry  that 
he  cannot  now  visit  the  Sherbro  country. 

*As  Christmas  week  is  only  just  over,  and  every  thing  that 
happened  is  fresh  in  my  memory,  I  shall  endeavour  to  state 
how  it  was  spent  at  Regent's  Town. 

'■Dec.  25.  At  six  o'clock,  prayer-meeting  as  on  Sunday 
mornings.  At  ten  o'clock,  divine  service.  I  preached  from 
Luke  xi.  14.  "  Glory  to  God  in  the  highest,  and  on  earth,  peace, 
and  good  will  to  men."  I  baptized  thirty-three  adults  and 
thirteen  infants  after  the  sermon,  and  then  administered  the 
Lord's  Supper  to  the  largest  number  that  ever  attended  at 
Regent.  I  went  through  the  whole  service  alone  (Mr.  During 
was  obliged  to  be  at  Gloucester)  which  continued  till  nearly 
three  o'clock  p.  m.;   but  notwithstanding  the  fatigue,  my  heart 


CHRISTMAS    WEEK.  2V7 

was  so  full  of  joy,  I  could  scarcely  speak.     Oh  God,  what  hast 
thou  wrought  ?     Receive  all  the  praise  and  glory. 

'  After  three  o'clock  the  people  kept  prayer-meeting  under 
the  direction  of  Mr.  Norman,  and  in  the  evening,  I  preached  on 
Isaiah  ix.  G. 

'  Dec.  26.  About  nine  a.  m.,  I  proceeded  to  Gloucester,  and 
as  far  as  I  could  see  before  and  behind,  the  road  was  covered 
with  our  people.  I  have  before  spoken  on  the  happy  meeting 
we  enjoyed  there. 

'  Dec.  27.  About  forty  of  our  communicants  had  their  sub- 
scription-dinner in  our  boys'  school-house ;  a  few  of  Mr. 
During's  communicants  were  invited.  Their  provision  con- 
sisted of  beef,  pork,  mutton,  duck,  and  fowl,  and  then  beverage 
of  weak  wine  and  water.  They  had  prayer  before  and  after 
dinner,  with  appropriate  hymns.  Before  tea,  they  kneeled 
down  again,  and  one  prayed.  After  tea  they  all  attended 
prayers  at  church,  after  which  tlsey  returned,  and  resumed  their 
seats.  Several  speeches  Avere  now  delivered,  with  many  cheers, 
jnterraixed  with  hymns  of  praise.  At  eight  o'clock  all  retired 
to  their  homes.  You  will  be  surprised  to  hear  what  a  law  they 
had  made  among  themselves,  viz,  "  That  if  any  person  did 
begin  to  quarrel,  or  did  not  behave  as  a  Christian,  he  should  be 
turned  out,  and  pay  the  sum  of  £5  ;  if  not  able  to  pay,  be  con- 
6ned  to  the  house  of  correction  for  two  months  !"  There  was 
no  need  to  put  this  law  into  execution,  for  all  behaved  with 
great  propriety..  D.  Noah  was  Secretary,  and  P.  Hughes  the 
Steward. 

'  Dec.  28.  After  prayers  in  the  church,  some  told  me  that 
they  felt  as  if  it  were  Sunday  all  the  week.  I  reminded  them 
of  the  eternal  Sunday  which  is  to  come. 

'  Saturday  was  spent  as  usual,  preparing  for  the  Lord's  day. 
The  church  was  well  attended,  morning  and  evening,  during 
the  week.  Thus  our  people  were  prevented  from  going  to 
Freetown,  where  I  am  afraid  thiRgs  were  not  so  quiet.  The 
next  Quarter-sessions  will  testify  of  that. 

'  A  Dr.  Ayres  has  arrived  as  agent  from  the  United  States, 
12 


278  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

for  the  Colonization  Society.  They  have  altered  their  minds  as 
it  respects  the  Bassa  country,  and  intend  now  to  settle  at  Cape 
Mesurado. 

'  I  have  commenced  a  long  epistle  to  M.  de  Compagne,  but 
am  afraid  I  cannot  finish  it  now.  I  must  send  it  by  the  next 
vessel. 

'The  kind  present,  the  organ,  lias  safely  arrived.  1  might 
fill  several  sheets  in  describing  the  wonder  which  it  occasioned. 
The  new  people,  who  have  lately  arrived,  will  not  come  near 
it ;  they  suppose  it  to  be  alive.  It  is  rather  too  small  for  our 
place,  for  when  the  people  sing  it  cannot  be  heard  ;  but  we  are 
at  the  same  time  thankful  for  it. 

'  I  have  agreeably  to  your  request,  named  five  children  as 
follows, — Sophia  Cunningham,  Mason  Neale,  Flora  Wyndham, 
Archibald  Cunningham,  and  Mary  Wawn.  I  hope  my  friends 
will  give  me  many  more  similar  duties. 

'  I  could  not  visit  the  settlements  in  company  with  Mr. 
Reffell,  as  lie  was  taken  ill  the  day  before  our  proposed  depar- 
ture. The  Governor  wished  me  to  accompany  him,  but  as  he 
did  not  leave  till  within  four  days  of  Christmas,  I  could  not  go. 
Next  week,  however,  if  nothing  prevent,  Mr.  li.  and  I  intend 
to  proceed.  We  shall,  if  possible  visit  the  Banana  and  Plan  • 
tain  Islands. 

'  If  you  could  make  it  convenient  in  future  to  send  the  Mis- 
sionaries here  in  the  month  of  October,  it  Avould  be  preferable, 
as  they  would  then  have  the  whole  of  the  dvf  season.  After 
Christmas  it  is  too  late.  If  they  arrive  in  October,  they  are 
always  more  healthy  in  the  next  rains. 

'  William  Joiiksox.' 


CHAPTER  X. 

A.  D.  1822. 

Increasing   prosperity  and   fresh   trials — Illness   and   return   of  Mrs, 
Johnson — Mr.  Johnson  afflicted  with  Opthalmia. 

Our  history  now  draws  to  its  close.     The  first  Report  sent  by 
Mr.  Johnson  in  the  year  1822,  is  brief.     We  shall  give  it  entire. 

'  Dear  Brethren, 

'  Grace  to  you,  and  peace  from  God  our  Father,  and  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

'  I  thank  my  God  that  it  has  pleased  him  once  more  to 
bring  us  here  together,  and  that  he  still  enables  me  to  state  to 
you,  that  his  word  prospers ;  yea,  has  free  course  and  is  glori- 
fied at  Regent's  Town,  in  the  conversion  of  sinners  and  the 
edification  of  saints.  Fourteen  candidates  are  under  instruction 
for  the  sacraments  of  Baptism  and  the  Lord's  Supper,  and  they 
will,  (D.  V.)  be  admitted  to  those  ordinances  on  Easter  day. 

'  Love  and  unity  among  the  communicants  continue  to 
increase,  and  morality  in  general  is  more  prevalent  at  Regent's 
Town.  Disputes  diminish  very  fast,  and  those  which  do  occur 
are  trifling. 

'  The  attendance  on  divine  worship  is  steady  and  regular — 
all  attend,  both  small  and  great.  On  week-day  evenings,  when 
the  word  of  God  is  explained,  we  have  sometimes  as  many  as 
on  Sundays. 

'  Two  female  communicants  have  departed  in  the  faith — 
their  only  dependance  was  on  the  merits  of  their  Saviour. 
They  did  indeed  depart  this  life  with  joy,  having  no  desire  to 
remain  in  the  flesh.  Those  who  stood  by  confessed  they  had 
never  seen  any  person  die  in  such  a  manner,  I  trust  these 
events  have  proved  beneficial  to  those  who  remain. 


280  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

'  The  schools  are  going  on  as  usual.  They  are  well  attend- 
ed. The  male  day  and  evening  schools  are  conducted  by  D. 
Noah,  and  the  female  by  my  sister. 

'  Part  of  the  roof  of  the  Church  is  put  up,  also  that  of  the 
seminary.  The  old  building  of  the  latter  is  removed,  and  the 
boys  have  moved  into  the  new  one. 

'  There  has  been  more  ground  cleared  this  year  than  any  one 
preceding,  which  gives  us  hope  of  a  plentiful  harvest.  The 
population  of  Regent's  Town  is  this  day,  1551,  residing  on  406 
lots.     None  remain  in  the  farm,  but  all  reside  in  the  place. 

'  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Norman  are  still  at  times  indisposed.  The 
boys  in  the  seminary  have  on  that  account  suffered,  and  have 
not  made  that  progress  which  might  otherwise  have  been  ex- 
pected. 

'  W.  Tamba  has  continued  until  now  at  Bathurst.  W.  Davis 
at  Wilberforce ;  he  complains  much  of  the  dark  state  of  the 
people  there,  they  will  scarcely  attend  divine  worship.  J.  Sandy 
has  been  every  Sunday  to  Hastings,  but  as  Mr.  Coker  has  been 
sent  there  by  his  Excellency,  he  will  be  wanted  no  longer. 

'  May  the  Lord  continue  to  assist  us  all  in  our  poor  endeav- 
ours, and  receive  all  the  praise  and  glory. 

'  W.  Johnson.' 


Rev.  W.  Johnson  to  the  Secretaries. 

'  Regent's  Town,  April  0,  1822. 
*  Rev.  and  dear  Sirs, 

'I  send  you  now  by  Mr.  During,  my  journal.  You  will  see 
particulars  of  our  proceedings  in  it.  Missionaries  and  .school- 
masters are  wanted  everywhere  in  the  colony.  Some  of  the 
settlements  are  supplied  with  superiutendeiits^who  are  not  con- 
nected with  the  Society. 

'Allow  me  to  specify  to  the  best  of  ray  knowledge,  the  dif- 
ferent places  where  either  a  missionary  or  schoolmaster  is 
wanted,  viz. : — 


REPORTS    AND    JOURNALS.  281 


Missionary. 

School 
master. 

Freetown 

2 

1  Independent  of  Cbaplain. 

Wilberforce 

1 

0 

York 

0 

1 

Kent 

1 

0  Mr.  Beckley  to  go  to  Bananas. 

Cahnont 

0 

1 

Hastings 

0 

1 

Wellington 

0 

1 

Batburst 

1 

0 

For  the.  Colony. 

Plantains 

2 

0  With  W.  Tamba. 

Bullora 

1 

0     —     J.  Johnson. 

Bassa 

2 

0     —     W.  Davis. 

Gold  Coast 

6 

6  Supplied  from  Seminary. 

'  The  above  settlements  may  be  visited  when  formed,  and 
supplied  with  great  facility,  by  water.  Sending  missionaries  to 
Freetown  will  be  the  only  means  of  putting  a  stop  to  the  many 
heresies  which  have  sprung  up  there.  The  longer  that  place  is 
left  as  it  is,  the  more  will  the  people's  minds  be  prejudiced 
against  the  Church,  and  against  the  truth.  Missionaries  who 
will  simply  preach  Christ  crucified,  will  alone  succeed. 

'  But  how  hard  it  is  to  get  missionaries ! — yea,  to  get  men 
who  will  really  deny  themselves,  and  take  up  their  cross  and 
come  to  Africa,  not  conferring  with  flesh  and  blood  !  We  want 
men  who  have  the  mind  of  St.  Paul,  when  the  Holy  Ghost 
witnessed  in  every  city,  saying  that  "  bonds  and  afflictions 
awaited  him."  Paul  conferred  not  with  flesh  and  blood,  but 
said,  "  None  of  these  things  move  me,  neither  count  I  my  life 
dear  unto  myself,  so  that  I  might  finish  my  course  with  joy." 
When  he  was  besought  with  tears  not  to  go,  he  declared  that 
he  was  "  ready  not  only  to  be  bound,  but  also  to  die  at  Jeru- 
salem for  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus." 

'  Oh,  may  God  the  Spirit  separate  more  Pauls  from  the 
Church  for  the  work  of  the  ministry  among  the  Gentiles, 
specially  for  Africa,  which  has  the  greatest  claim  on  the  Chris- 


282  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

tian  world.  None  have  been  more  injured  than  Africa,  and 
none  is  more  degraded.  I  cannot  help  wondering,  that  so  few 
come  over  to  help  us — all  are  for  India  or  New  Zealand,  and 
Africa  is  scarcely  left  alive  with  a  few  fishermen.  I  think  it  is 
also  time  to  assume  the  character  of  the  widow  in  the  Gospel, 
"  Avenge  me  of  mine  adversary  !"  I  plead  not  my  own  cause, 
but  the  widowhood  of  Africa — for  her  will  I  cry  with  importu- 
nity, "  Send  Missionaries,  send  Missionaries  !  Avenge  Africa 
of  her  adversary  1" 

*  As  soon  as  Mr.  During  has  left  us,  I  shall  visit  all  the  set- 
tlements again.     Mr.  Reffell  wishes  to  accompany  me. 

'  Yesterday  we  had  the  Lord's  Supper,  and  it  was  very  gra- 
tifying for  me  to  see  my  children  come  from  every  quarter  to 
partake  of  that  holy  sacrament. 

'  One  woman  of  Freetown,  who  is  at  Freetown,  comes  almost 
every  Saturday,  and  returns  to  her  husband  on  Monday.  A 
man  who  lives  at  Leicester,  in  the  hospital,  comes  also.  Tamba 
from  Gloucester,  Davis  and  his  wife  from  Bathurst,  Sandy  from 
Leopold,  and  J.  Thomson  from  Wilberforce,  all  having  kept 
divine  service  early  at  their  respective  places,  came  to  join  us 
at  the  Lord's  Table.  J.  Thomson  came  after  the  sacrament 
was  begun,  having  kept  divine  service  at  Wilberforce,  and 
then  walked  through  the  bush,  five  miles,  to  join  us  at  the 
Table. 

'  I  have  felt  reluctance  to  number  or  count  the  communi- 
cants, but  as  some  one  has  done  it  for  me,  I  hesitate  no  longer 
to  give  you  the  real  account  of  the  Church  of  Christ  at  Regent's 
Town. 

Present  at  the  Lord's  Table,  April  28,  1822.       .     .     310 
Absent  through  sickness.       .....       30 

Excluded  for  a  short  time  on  trial — they  have  been 
baptized,  and  are,  strictly  speaking,  commu- 
nicants  38 

378 


REPORTS    AND    JOURNALS.  283 

Excommunicated,  but  attend  Church.  .  .  .21 
Left  Regent's  Town  on  their  own  account.  .  .  2 
Communicants  who  liave  died.       ....       13 

*  I  intend  to  administer  the  Lord's  Supper,  by  the  help  of 
God,  the  last  Sunday  in  the  month  at  Regent's  Town ;  the 
second  Sunday  at  Leopold  or  Charlotte  ;  and  the  first  Sunday 
at  Gloucester,  and  when  practicable,  to  go  to  Kent  to  admin- 
ister the  same  there. 

'  Pray  for  me,  that  the  Lord  may  give  me  health  to  accom- 
plish Hjs  work,  and  "finish  my  course  with  joy." 

'  I  am  sorry  to  say  tliat  ^Irs.  Johnson  suffers  much.  I  am  at 
a  loss  to  know  what  will  be  the  result.  May  the  Lord  give  her 
patience,  and  send  deliverance  from  on  high !  Her  sufferings 
are  beyond  description,  violent  head-aches  prevent  her  from 
enjoying  rest,  sometimes  for  three  or  four  days  and  nights. 

'  M7  sister  remains  well  and  is  useful.  Past  afflictions  have 
humbled  her  much  ;  she  is  perfectly  satisfied  with  her  situation, 
and  lives,  I  may  say,  a  life  of  faith.  She  has  about  one  hun- 
dred girls  under  her  care,  whom  she  manages  with  great  pro- 
priety. 

*  W.  B.  Johnson.' 

Journal  of  Rev.  W.  Johnson. 

'March  8,  1822.  Went  this  morning  with  Dr.  Sibbald  to 
visit  the  sick  in  Leicester  Hospital.  One  of  our  communicants 
is  dangerously  ill ;  the  doctor  thinks  that  she  will  not  recover. 
Her  husband  waits  upon  her  ;  she  received  injury  in  childbear- 
ing.  The  doctor  thought  that  by  a  strict  course  of  medicine 
she  might  recover,  and  so  she  was  conveyed  to  the  hospital. 
All  hopes  of  recovery  appear  however  to  be  at  an  end.  I  went 
to  her  bed,  and  communicated  to  her  the  probable  event,  which 
she  received  with  great  composure  of  mind.  She  spoke  of 
darkness  and  coldness,  yet  she  turned  to  her  Saviour  with  de- 
light.    Under  her  pillow  was  the  Bible,  to  which  she  pointed. 


284  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSOX. 

Both  the  woman  and  lier  husband  can  read,  which,  they 
said,  was  a  great  blessing.  Her  husband  is  likewise  a  coni- 
municant. 

'  In  the  evening  I  had  many  visits  paid  me.  One  man  was 
much  distressed,  he  wept  bitterly,  and  said,  "Massa,  all  them 
words  yon  speak  in  the  Church  are  against  me.  All  the  things 
which  I  do  and  which  live  in  my  heart,  you  talk  of  in  the 
Church,  I  am  afraid  I  shall  be  lost — my  heart  no  stand  good 
at  all.  The  more  I  try  to  pray,  the  more  cold  I  feel.  I  go  on 
my  knee,  l)i>t  cannot  pray  ;  my  heart  like  stone.  I  have  no 
peace  at  all.  I  get  sick  plenty  time  and  think  I  shall  even  die, 
and  what  then  will  become  me,  (he  wept  aloud)  I  sliall  surely 
sink  into  hell.  I  am  afraid,  because  my  heart  so  hard,  that  I 
have  sinned  against  the  Holy  Ghost. 

'  Another  said,  "  Massa,  them  things  God  done  for  me,  pass 
every  thing.  Who  will  die  for  another  ?  Oh  !  the  Lord  Jesus 
die  for  sinner,  yes,  for  them  people  who  been  sin  against  him. 
I  sit  down  and  consider  this,  and  I  don't  know  what  to  say.  I 
never  hear  such  thing  before.  Sometimes  people  say  '  such 
man  do  me  good  too  much.'  '  But  the  Lord  Jesus  do  pass 
every  thing.  He  love  till  he  die  to  save  me.  Oh  !  I  love  him 
so  little :  that  time  I  want  to  love  him,  my  heart  no  willing, 
it  always  run  about;  that  trouble  me  too  much,  but  yet  he  love 
sinner.     Ah  !  true,  that  pass  everything." 

'  March  10.  Sunday.  Divine  service  as  usual,  which  was 
attended  as  usual.  Spoke  at  half  past  ten  on  "  Jesus  saith,  I 
am  the  way."  Kead  and  explained  2  Tim.  ii.  19.  In  the 
evening  spoke  on  Song  of  Solomon  vi.  3.  "  I  am  my  be- 
loved's, and  my  beloved  is  mine." 

'  Oh  Lord,  my  Shepherd,  bless  thy  word,  and  pardon  all 
infirmities.  May  thine  imworthy  creature  be  more  and  more 
filled  with  love  which  passeth  understanding,  and  which  "many 
waters  cannot  quench  ;"  that  he  may  tell  sinners  of  the  electing, 
redeeming,  and  sanctifying  love  of  God  the  Father,  Son,  and 
Holy  Ghost,  which  has  flowed  from  everlasting  like  a  "  pure 


VISIT   TO    YORK    SETTLEMENT.  285 

river  of  water  of  life,  clear  as  crystal,  proceeding  out  of  the 
throne  of  God  and  the  Lamb." 

^  March  12.  Went  this  morning  to  Freetown  in  company 
of  my  sister  and  Mrs.  Norman,  to  attend  the  monthly  prayer- 
meeting. 

^  March  13,  Attended  the  Quarter  Sessions,  a  task  which  is 
very  disagreeable,  but  being  a  Justice  of  the  Peace,  I  am  oblig- 
ed, to  save  a  fine  of  £5. 

'■March  14.  This  morning,  six  o'clock,  I  left  Freetown  in 
Mr.  Refiell's  boat.  Mr.  R.  being  a  Member  of  Council,  was 
obliged  to  be  in  court,  and  thus  could  not  accompany  me  in  a 
tour  round  the  colony. 

'After  sufiering  much  from  the  sun,  we  arrived  at  York 
after  twelve  p.  m.  Mr.  Johnstone  the  superintendent,  received 
me  very  kindly.  He  informed  me  that  the  people  had  looked 
out  for  me  a  long  time  ;  that  they  had  built  a  place  of  worship 
to  which  they  had  all  subscribed.  He  had  occasionally  read 
the  prayers,  and  one  William  Allen  had  endeavoured  to  keep 
divine  service  with  them,  but  they  were  dissatisfied  with  him. 
Some,  especially  a  corporal,  had  been  to  Freetown,  and  got 
some  wild  notions  of  religion,  and  thought  himself  now  quali- 
fied to  instruct  his  countrymen,  although  he  could  neither  read 
nor  write.  I  begged  Mr.  Johnstone  to  kindly  inform  the  peo- 
ple that  I  had  ari-ived,  and  that  I  should  be  very  glad  to  speak 
the  word  of  God  in  the  evening  about  seven  o'clock.  I  was 
conducted  by  Mr.  Johnstone  to  the  place  of  worship,  which  I 
found  completely  crowded  inside  and  outside.  I  addressed 
them  from  Acts  xvi.  31.  "  Believe  on  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ," 
&c.  While  speaking  on  the  depraved  state  of  mankind,  and 
explaining  what  God  demanded  of  men  as  a  just,  holy,  and 
righteous  God,  one  woman  fell  trembling  on  the  ground  ;  others 
also  appeared  to  be  much  affected.  Fearing  lest  a  confusion 
should  follow,  I  exhorted  them  to  be  quiet  andres  train  their  feel 
ings,  in  order  that  I  might  dwell  on  the  promise  of  the  text. 
The  woman  who  conti'^ued  to  be  much  affected,  I  ordered  to 
be  taken  out  for  a  short  lime. 

12* 


286  MEMOIR    or    JOHNSON. 

'When  I  had  concluded,  all  were  anxious  to  shake  hands 
with  me,  thanked  me,  and  begged  that  I  would  speak  to  them 
the  word  of  God  again  on  the  following  morning,  which  I 
gladly  promised  to  do. 

'  I  went  back  with  Mr.  Johnstone  to  his  hospitable  habit- 
ation, much  delighted  with  what  had  passed.  Mr.  J.  is  not  a 
spiritual  man,  but  he  questioned  me  about  the  scriptures,  and 
in  some  measure  I  spent  the  evening  much  to  my  satisfaction. 

'  I  entered  the  place  with  much  fear,  but  the  following  pas- 
sage comforted  me  much  :  "Fear  not,  for  I  am  with  thee;  I 
will  bring  thy  seed  from  the  east,  and  gather  thee  from  the 
west.'i  Oh,  gracious  God,  gather  those  thine  elect  through 
the  preaching  of  the  word.  May  it  have  free  course  and  be 
glorified. 

'■March  15.  The  bell  began  to  ring  some  time  before  day- 
light. I  could  not  at  first  conceive  the  cause,  but,  on  inquiry, 
was  informed  that  the  bell  rung  for  divine  service.  A  light  was 
brought  in,  and  I  was  obliged  to  dress  myself  as  soon  as  possi- 
ble. It  was  just  daylight  when  we  entered  the  place  again. 
The  worship  was  well  attended.  I  read  and  explained  the  1st 
of  Peter,  and  spoke  on  the  happy  state  of  believers  and  the 
miserable  state  of  unbelievers. 

'  All  were  attentive,  and  when  I  had  done  I  was  introduced 
to  the  corporal  who  occasionally  talks  "  God's  palaver  to  them." 
I  found  him  very  ignorant.  However  I  thought  it  best  to  be 
careful,  and  not  to  prejudice  his  mind,  as  it  appeared  he  had 
great  influence  among  the  people.  I  took  my  Bible,  and 
brouglit  forth  such  passages  as  tended  to  convince  him  of  his 
ignorance.  This  point  was  soon  gained  in  the  presence  of  his 
countrymen,  and  it  became  at  once  an  universal  desire  that 
some  one  might  be  sent  to  read  and  explain  the  Scriptures  to 
them.  At  last  they  made  me  promise  to  send  some  one  to 
teach  them  of  the  way  to  heaven  as  soon  as  practicable,  with 
Mr.  Johnstone's  consent. 

'  As  I  had  a  license  from  his  Excellency  for  marriage,  eight 
couples  were  married,  and  five  infants  baptized. 


VISIT    TO    KENT    AND    THE    BANANAS.  287 

'About  10  o'clock  A.  m.  I  left  York,  accompanied  by  Mr. 
Johnstone,  but,  before  we  entered  tbe  boat,  I  once  more  waited 
on  the  corporal.  Several  people  followed  me,  and  I  addressed 
them  and  the  corporal  on  the  Scriptures  at  some  length.  They 
were  all  attentive.  On  leaving  them  they  again  requested  me 
to  send  a  man  to  teach  them,  and  to  come  myself  again  soon. 
When  I  went  to  the  boat,  a  woman  who  had  been  in  the 
house,  said  to  another,  "Ah,  thern  words  that  white  man  talk 
go  through  my  heart."  Oh  may,  not  my  words,  but  the  word 
of  the  Lord,  which  is  quick  and  powerful,  sharper  than  any 
two-edged  sword,  pierce  their  hearts ! 

'About  12  o'clock  we  arrived  at  Kent.  This  settlement  has 
a  fine  appearance  from  the  sea,  which  is  much  increased  by  a 
range  of  mountains  behind  some  rocks  in  front  of  the  principal 
building ;  and  a  flag-staff  on  one  of  the  summits,  gives  the 
place  the  aspect  of  a  fortification. 

*  We  were  kindly  and  liospitably  received  by  Mr.  Beckley 
and  jNfrs.  Kenner. 

'Mr.  Beckloy  stated  that  he  could  not  get  all  the  people  to 
attend  divine  worship  on  Sundays;  he  believed,  however,  that 
a  good  work  had  been  begun  in  the  hearts  of  some,  and  he 
wished  me  to  converse  with  them  to-morrow  evening,  and  give 
my  opinion.  As  to  their  conduct  he  could  say  that  it  was 
consistent.  In  tiie  evening  I  addressed  the  people  from  Matt. 
V.  1 — 12  ;  all  present  appeared  attentive. 

'  During  the  evening  I  visited  the  grave  of  Mr.  Eenner,  and 
that  of  the  American  missionary.  They  are  well  finished,  that 
of  Mr.  Renner  is  fenced  with  a  black  railing,  and  has  a  board 
containing  his  name,  and  the  Society  to  which  he  belonged, 
and  his  age — fiftj'-two  years. 

'•March  16.  After  family  prayer,  I  went,  accompanied  by 
Messrs.  Beckley  and  -luhnstone,  to  the  Banana  Islands.  Mr. 
Cammel,  who  is  superintendent  there,  honoured  us  by  hoisting 
the  British  ensign,  and,  on  landing,  received  us  with  great 
kindness. 

'  The  soil  of  this  place  is  the  best  I  have  seen  in  Africa. 


288  MEMOIR    OF   JOHNSOS. 

Agriculture  may  be  carried  on  to  great  advantage,  and  being 
•well  situated  as  to  commerce,  I  think  tliis  settlement  may  in 
future  be  of  much  importance  to  the  colony.  After  we  had 
partaken  of  a  bountiful  breakfast,  we  went  to  see  the  old  settle- 
ment of  Mr,  T.  Caulker,  which  appears  almost  deserted, 

'  Mr.  Caramel  told  me  of  a  dispute  which  had  taken  place 
about  some  people  who  had  been  carried  away  from  the  island 
by  T.  Caulker,  which  had  created  an  alarm  among  the  rest  of 
T.  Caulker's  people,  and  some  of  them  had  come  to  Mr.  Caramel, 
refusing  to  be  subject  to  Mr.  T.  Caulker, 

'  There  are  about  fifty  people  here,  under  care  of  Mr.  Cara- 
mel, After  we  had  gratified  ourselves  with  a  view  of  the 
settlement,  which  is  regularly  laid  out  in  streets,  we  left  for 
Kent.  Both  Mr,  Caramel  and  Mr.  Johnstone  have  become 
subscribers  to  the  Church  Missionary  Society,  Mr.  Johnstone 
left  us,  and  returned  to  York, 

'  In  the  evening,  after  prayer,  the  people  Mr.  Beckley  had  in- 
vited, came  to  speak  to  me,  I  examined  them  one  by  one,  and 
the  simple  yet  striking  evidences  of  grace  they  gave,  induced 
me  to  believe  that  our  gracious  Lord  had  begun  the  work  of 
mercy  in  their  hearts.  I  admitted  ten  as  communicants.  All 
had  been  baptized,  as  they  consisted  of  discharged  soldiers  and 
their  wives, 

*  March  17,  Sunday.  Early  in  the  morning  we  had  iamily 
prayer  in  the  church.  At  half-past  ten,  divine  service,  which 
was  well  attended.  Read  the  Liturgy,  and  spoke  on  John  iii. 
5.  When  I  spoke  on  the  evidences  of  gi-ace  in  regeneration, 
I  observed  two  female  communicants  weep  much.  After 
the  sermon,  I  married  three  couple,  baptized  fourteen  infants, 
and  administered  the  Lord's  Supper  to  the  above-mentioned 
ten  communicants,  Mr.  Beckley  and  Mrs,  Rennet.  It  was  in- 
deed a  happy  season,  and  especially  so,  as  the  holy  sacrament 
had  never  before  been  administered  there, 

'■March  18,  After  iamily  prayer,  I  took  leave  of  Mrs. 
Renner,  and,  accompanied  by  Mr.  Beckley,  proceeded  in  Mr. 
Johnstone's  boat  to  Waterloo,     Tide  and  wind  being  in  our 


WATERLOO    SETTLEMENT.  289 

favour,  we  soon  reached  the  creek  which  leads  to  Calmond, 
which  we  reached  at  haU-past  two  p.  m.  From  that  place  we 
walked  about  three  miles  to  Waterloo.  Mr.  and  Mrs,  Wilhelm 
received  us  very  afi'ectionately. 

'  I  confess  I  was  surprised  to  see  this  settlement  so  forward 
as  it  really  is.  The  situation  being  near  a  river  which  is 
navigable,  and  the  soil  much  adapted  for  agriculture,  makes  it 
very  promising.  In  the  evening,  Mr.  Wilhelm  requested  me  to 
address  his  people ;  and,  as  the  news  spread  that  a  stranger 
had  come,  a  considerable  number  attended  service.  Spoke  on 
Acts  xix.  21.  "Have  ye  received  the  Holy  Ghost  since  ye 
believed  ?"     The  people  were  very  attentive. 

'  March  19.  Family  prayers  in  the  morning  by  Mr.  Wilhelm. 
After  breakfast  we  took  a  walk  around  the  village.  The  streets 
are  regularly  laid  out.  The  houses  of  the  discharged  soldiers 
in  particular  are  well  built.  As  it  respects  the  spiritual  state  of 
the  people,  !Mr.  Wilhelm  complains,  and  I  can  say  nothing  on 
that  head. 

'Mr.  Reftell  having  sent  his  boat  to  meet  me  at  Waterloo,  I 
proceeded  in   the  same   at  half-past  two  p.  m.     I  intended  to 

visit  Wellington   aud   Hastings,  but  hearing  that  Mr.  S , 

the  superintendent  of  the  latter  place,  was  about  moving,  who 
is  not  very  partial  to  me,  I  thought  it  more  advisable  to  proceed 
to  Freetown,  and  postpone  my  visit  to  those  two  places  till 
anotlier  opportunitj'. 

'  It  is  remarkable,  that  notwithstanding  the  opposition  of 
Mr.  S.,  the  discharged  soldiers  at  Hastings  have  built  a  chapel, 
and  have  continued  with  eagerness  to  hear  the  word  of  God 
explained  by  Davis,  Tamba,   and   Sandy.      Tamba  has  given 

great  offence  to  Mr.  S ,  by  saying  that  "  both  whites  and 

blacks,  dying  in  their  sins,  would  be  cast  into  hell."  Mr.  S. 
being  the  only  white  man  present  was  enraged,  and  has  ever 
since  hated  Tamba.  The  Governor  has  now  placed  an  Amer- 
ican at  Hastings,  who  was  sent  to  Africa  by  the  Colonization 
Society. 

*  The  American  settlers  have  left  the  colony,  and  have  gone 


290  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

to  Cape  Mesurado.  It  is  said  tliat  the  natives  would  not  let 
them  land  on  the  main  land,  but  that  they  were  oblifjed  to 
abide  in  a  small  island,  and  that  the  Headman,  who  had  made 
an  agreement  with  them,  was  put  in  irons  by  the  people. 
What  the  result  will  be  cannot  be  ascertained.  It  is  generally 
supposed  that  they  will  not  succeed.  Why  they  did  not  go  to 
Grand  Bassa,  is  a  question  I  cannot  answer. 

'Left  Waterloo  at  half-past  two  r.  m.  The  boatmen  liad 
received  stiict  orders  to  behave  with  propriety.  This  was  com- 
municated to  me  in  a  letter  from  Mr.  Reffell.  They  said  no- 
thing, but  rowed  with  great  speed. 

'  Arrived  at  Freetown  at  seven  p.  m.  Waited  upon  Messrs. 
Reffell,  Flood,  and  Weston.  Made  my  grateful  acknowledg- 
ments to  the  former  for  lending  me  his  boat.  Mr.  K.  was 
much  pleased  with  the  account  I  gave  him  of  the  people  at 
York.     Wishes  to  go  there  with  me  in  thi-ee  weeks. 

'  Mr.  AVeston  kindly  lent  me  liis  horse,  and  I  proceeded  up 
to  Regent's  Town,  turned  in  at  Gloucester  Town,  and  had  a 
long  and  comfortable  conversation  with  brother  Diiring.  Ar- 
rived at  Regent's  Town  at  eleven  p.  m.  Oh  Lord,  thou  hast 
helped  me  hitherto.  Praise  and  glory  be  to  thy  holy  name  for 
ever.     Amen. 

'  March  20.  Was  happy  to  hear  that  the  people  had  be- 
haved very  quietly,  and  attended  divine  worship  as  usual  during 
my  absence.  John  Sandy  had  been  to  Hastings,  and  had 
found  the  American  there  who  had  kept  service  morning  and 
evening,  and  himself  had  kei)t  the  same  in  the  afternoon.  I 
asked  Sandy  how  he  liked  the  American's  preaching.  He 
said,  "He  talks  plenty  about  duties,  but  too  little  about  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.  He  told  me  to  come  back  next  Sunday 
and  pitch  the  tunes  for  him.  I  said,  I  will  tell  Mr.  Johnson, 
but  I  did  not  think  lie  would  send  me  for  that." 

'One  of  the  female  communicants  had  departed  this  life 
during  my  absence.  The  following  account  I  was  happy  to 
hear  from  James  Thomson,  who  is  an  Israelite  indeed. 

'"The  tinae  the  woman  want  to  die,  thev  call  me.     I  ask 


JOUUNAL.  291 

her  how  she  now  feel  ?  She  say,  she  very  glad  to  die ;  in  this 
world  nothing  but  trouble  ;  she  ready  to  go  to  be  with  the  Lord. 
I  ask  her  about  her  sins,  and  she  said, '  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  has 
spilt  his  blood  for  my  sins  ;  nobody  else  can  save  me  ;  in  him 
only  I  trust.'  Then  before  she  die,  she  tell  her  husband  to  call 
all  the  people  that  live  close  there,  and  when  the  people  come, 
she  tell  one  man  to  pray.  They  all  kneel  down,  and  she  get 
up  from  the  bed,  and  kneel  down  too.  When  they  done  pray, 
she  saj',  '  good  bye  '  to  the  people  and  her  husband.  She  lay 
down  again,  her  husband  help  her ;  when  she  lay  down,  she 
say,  '  I  am  going  to  my  father,  he  call  me,'  then  they  think  she 
go  to  sleep  ;  but  when  they  look,  they  see  she  dead.  Massa, 
me  never  see  any  person  die  in  that  fashion  ;  them  words  you 
talk  in  the  church  about  two  weeks  ago,  strike  me  the  same 
time ;  you  say  that  God's  people  go  to  sleep  Avhen  they  die. 
Stephen,  when  they  stone  him,  fell  asleep  ;  ah,  I  think  about 
them  words,  and  when  I  see  that  woman  die  so  too,  it  make 
me  glad  too  much." 

'  In  the  evening,  the  Church  was  exceedingly  full ;  and  after 
service  I  had  many  of  the  people ;  some  were  full  of  joy,  not 
knowing  how  to  contain  themselves,  while  others  were  full  of 
doubts  and  fears. 

'March  22.  Spoke  to-night  on  2  Tim.  iv.  10.  As  I  go 
regularly  through  the  Bible,  I  have  come  thus  far.  The  words 
"  Demas  hath  forsaken  me,  having  loved  this  present  world," 
proved  very  al-arming  to  a  few  backsliders,  who  came  to  me 
after  service  much  distressed.  May  the  Holy  Ghost  guide 
them  to  the  "  Lamb  of  God  which  taketh  away  the  sin  of  the 
world." 

'  March  23.  This  afternoon  I  went  to  Bathurst  and  exam- 
ined some  candidates  for  the  Lord's  Supper.  Admitted  eight, 
who  will  join  us  on  the  next  occasion  at  Regent's  Town.  There 
Avere  several  more  whom  I  thought  proper  to  keep  a  little 
longer  on  trial.  I  believe  that  our  sable  brother  Tamba  has 
been  made  useful  to  some  of  liis  countrymen. 

'  March  24.     Divine  .service   at  half-past   ten,   a.  m. — the 


'292  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

Cburcli  was  particularly  full.  Spoke  on  Heb.  ix.  27.  The  peo- 
ple were  all  attentive.  I  spoke  on  tlie  death  of  our  departed 
sister. 

^  March  25.  Till  ten  o'clock,  was  engaged  in  advising  with 
such  as  had  come  to  speak  respecting  their  hearts.  TJiey  all 
appeared  to  be  much  affected  with  what  they  had  heard  the 
night  before.  It  is  impossible  to  give  an  outline  of  what  was 
related.  One  man  said,  "  Massa,  me  never  hear  you  speak  so 
before  ;  all  what  live  in  my  thoughts  you  speak,  I  was  so  sorry 
when  you  had  done  preach,  I  wish  you  had  preach  all  night,  I 
think  sleep  would  not  have  catch  me.  Oh,  I  was  so  glad  about 
them  words.  When  I  go  home  all  live  in  my  heart,  and  when 
I  sleep,  I  think  all  night  I  hear  you  preach.  Them  words  you 
talk,  how  God's  people  stand  when  they  die,  and  how  they 
stand  before  God  without  sin,  through  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  how 
glad  they  will  be  in  the  day  of  judgment,  come  to  my  heart 
and  make  me  so  glad,  because  long  time  I  been  'fraid  too  much 
to  die,  but  now  I  can  say  I  glad,"  &c.  One  woman  wanted  to 
know  whether  I  had  not  spoken  particularly  to  her.  She  had 
been  to  one  of  her  countrymen,  atid  asked  if  Massa  had  not 
pointed  to  her.  She  seemed  confident  that  I  had ;  and  said, 
"  Massa,  all  that  true  that  you  spoke  about  me  yesterday  morn- 
ing: when  you  point  to  me,  I  stand  just  in  that  fashion  ;"  she 
wept  much,  and  wanted  to  know  what  she  must  do  to  be  saved 
from  all  them  bad  things  which  she  had  been  doing.  This 
woman  has  hitherto  been  a  very  bad  character.  She  continued 
talking ;  and  I  suppose  would  willingly  have  told  me  all  the 
sins  of  which  she  had  been  guilty,  if  I  had  not  prevented  her. 
She  was  so  distressed,  that  she  at  last  wept  aloud.  All  I  could 
do,  was  to  direct  her  to  Him,  whom  her  sins  had  pierced.  May 
God  the  Spirit  bless  the  word  which  was  spoken  to  her  !  An- 
other said,  "  Massa,  when  the  week  of  the  Lord's  Supper  comes 
round,  I  always  get  into  trouble.  I  fear  this  week  of  the  Lord's 
Supper.  Suppose  this  to  be  the  only  once  to  me !  But  me  see 
this  every  time,  something  come  and  give  me  trouble,  and  the 


JOURNAL.  293 

■words  you  speak  to-niglit  make  me  'fraid  too  much.  I  hope 
the  Lord  Jesus  will  keep  me." 

'  Mmxh  30.  On  Tuesday  we  had  the  Quarterly  Meeting. 
The  woman  who  thought  I  had  spoken  particularly  to  her  has 
been  with  me  each  day  this  week,  she  continues  to  be  in  great 
distress. 

'  Went  to-day  with  Mr.  Reifell  and  visited  Bathurst,  Leopold, 
Charlotte,  and  Gloucester.  AVhen  at  Leopold,  a  school-girl 
came  running  to  me  to  tell  me  of  the  death  of  Mary  During,  a 
communicant.  She  was  taken  ill  eight  days  ago  in  church.  I 
firmly  believe  that  she  has  joined  the  church  triumphant.  She 
was  about  eighteen  years  of  age,  and  was  one  of  the  oldest  girls 
in  the  school  :  she  has  been  a  communicant  three  years,  during 
which  she  faithfully  followed  her  Saviour.  She  waited  upon 
me  in  Church,  and  took  particular  delight  in  washing  and 
scouring  the  pulpit,  reading-desk  and  vestry,  which  she  never 
was  desired  to  do.  Her  behaviour  was  like  that  of  an  experi- 
enced woman  ;  she  was  scarcely  ever  seen  to  smile.  She  had 
much  illness  during  her  pilgrimage,  and  though  she  had  many 
offers  of  marriage,  being  well  made  and  of  pleasing  exterior, 
she  always  refused.  Notwithstanding  her  devout  conduct,  she 
Avould  frequently  come  to  me  and  complain,  weeping  over  the 
depravity  of  her  heart.  She  had  been  nearly  six  years  in  our 
school.  Her  final  illness,  which  was  an  affection  of  the  lungs, 
was  but  short ;  she  bore  every  pain  with  great  patience,  and 
when  she  was  informed  of  her  dangerous  situation,  she  appeared 
to  be  resigned  to  the  will  of  her  Saviour.  She  said  she  had 
done  nothing  but  bad,  but  that  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  had  done 
great  things  for  her.  He  had  shed  his  blood  for  her,  and  that 
was  her  comfort.  She  fell  asleep  in  the  arms  of  Hagar  John- 
son without  a  struggle.  As  long  as  she  had  strength  she  would 
pray  on  her  knees.  Mr.  Norman  remarked  that  when  he  lived 
in  the  girl's  school,  he  had  frequently  seen  Mary  During  pray 
as  early  as  three  o'clock  in  the  morning,  and  observed  that  she 
had  the  best  gift  in  prayer.     "Who  does  not  rejoice  at  the 


294  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

death  of  the   righteous,  and  who  does  not  wish  to  die  like 
them  ! 

'^  March  31.  At  three  o'clock,  p.  m.,  we  committed  the  re- 
mains of  Mary  During  to  the  ground.  As  slie  was  mucli 
respected,  ahnost  all  the  inhabitants  of  Regent's  Town  followed 
the  funeral.  The  attendance  was  the  most  numerous  I  ever 
witnessed.  Twelve  young  men  (communicants)  carried  the 
corpse.  Eight  girls  (likewise  communicants)  were  pall-bearers, 
all  dressed  iu  white.  Then  followed  the  school-girls,  the 
women,  boys  of  the  institution,  and  all  the  men.  In  the  bury- 
ing-place,  I  addressed  the  party  ;  and  in  the  evening,  I  spoke 
on  the  event  from  Isaiah  xxi.  12.  I  believe  every  one  who 
could  walk,  attended  divine  service.  The  Lord  was,  I  trust, 
both  with  speaker  and  hearers.  Oh,  may  the  Lord  of  sovereign 
grace  add  his  blessing,  and  receive  the  praise  and  gloi'y- 

April  1.  Had  many  visits  after  evening  service.  One 
school-girl  was  impressed  with  that  part  of  the  text,  "the  night 
Cometh."  One  man  who  had  been  told  to  come,  to  have  his 
name  put  down  with  that  of  his  bride,  in  order  to  have  the 
banns  published,  was  asked  why  he  had  omitted  to  come.  He 
replied,  "  Ah,  Massa,  that  time  Mary  During  die,  my  heart  no 
stand  good  to  get  married  :  that  is  the  reason  I  no  come." 

April  2.  Fresh  visits  to-day.  Some  asked  what  they  must 
do  to  get  saved. 

Aioril  5.  Good  Friday.  The  attendance  at  church  was  not 
so  numerous  as  it  is  on  Sundays.  Spoke  from  Isaiah  liii.  "  A 
man  of  sorrows  and  acquainted  with  grief."  In  the  afternoon 
the  people  kept  a  prayer-meeting  under  Mr.  Norman's  superin- 
tendence, while  I  examined  the  candidates  for  baptism  at  my 
house.     Spoke  in  the  evening  from  the  w^ords,  "  It  is  finished." 

^  EaMer  Sunday.  Mr.  Reftell,  Captain  Sabine,  R.  N.,  and 
two  other  gentlemen,  came  to  divine  service.  Spoke  from 
1  Cor.  XV.  45.  "  The  last  Adam  was  made  a  quickening  spirit." 
I  could  have  wished  that  only  my  people  had  been  ])resent ; 
but  the  Lord  stood  by  me  and  delivered  me  from  the  fear  of 


JOURNAL.  295 

man.  Baptized  eleven  adults  and  eight  infants.  Went  in  the 
afternoon  to  Charlotte.  Spoke  on  John  xi.  25,  26.  After  ser- 
vice, baptized  three  adults  and  three  children,  then  adminis- 
tered the  Lord's  Supper  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Davey,  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Taylor,  and  twelve  men  and  women.  The  Lord  was  with  us. 
Returned  to  Regent's  Town,  and  preached  from  Rev.  i.  8. 

'  April  8.  In  the  evening,  I  had  my  visitors  as  usual.  One 
woman,  who  had  been  very  ill,  wept  much.  She  was  taken  ill 
about  the  same  time  as  Mary  During,  who  was  now  dead,  and 
herself  recovei'ed. 

'A  little  girl  about  niiie  years  of  age  surprised  me  much. 
She  said,  "Massa,  that  time  you  come  back  from  England,  one 
Sunday  you  talk  about  wicked  people.  You  say  how  they 
stand,  and  I  begin  to  think  about  all  them  bad  things  I  been 
do,  and  I  think  you  talk  of  me,  and  me  'fraid  too  much  to  go 
to  hell.  Then  me  want  to  tell  you ;  but  I  say,  I  too  young. 
Since  that  time  my  heart  always  trouble  me  :  plenty  time  me 
want  to  talk  to  you,  but  me  'fraid.  Last  Sunday  week,  when 
you  talk  about  Mary  During,  you  say,  '  Perhaps  you  think  you 
are  too  young  to  serve  God — it  may  be  one  boy  or  girl  think 
so.  Remember  that  young  people  die  as  well  as  old  people. 
Who  knows  but  that  one  of  the  youngest  boys  or  girls  may  be 
the  next;  and  hoAv  will  you  stand  if  you  are  not  ready?' 
Them  words,  Massa,  strike  me  too  much,  for  me  just  in  that 
state.  I  want  to  know  what  I  must  do.  I  fear  I  do  not  be- 
long to  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  because  I  no  believe."  She 
spoke  much  more,  and  I  was  really  delighted,  for  I  had  every 
reason  to  believe  that  grace  was  working  upon  her  heart.  I 
put  several  questions,  which  she  answered  very  correctly.  She 
said  that  she  felt  at  times  very  comfortable  in  her  mind.  I 
inquired  what  made  her  feel  so.  She  said,  "  Because  I  am  a 
great  sinner,  and  Jesus  Christ  a  great  Saviour,"  I  said,  "What 
did  he  do  for  sinners  ?"  "  He  bled  and  died  for  sinners.  The 
word  you  talk  on  Good  Friday  make  me  glad  too  much."  As 
her  conduct  is  so  far  consistent,  I  shall  have  no  objection  to 


>J96  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON". 

admit  her  to  baptism  ;  for  "  who  can  forbid  water,  that  such 
should  not  be  baptized  ?" 

'  April  9.  The  monthly  prayer-meeting  was  held  at  Kissey. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Flood,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  During,  Mr.  Norman  (Mrs. 
Norman  was  ill),  !Mrs.  Keiiner,  Mr.  Nylander,  Mrs.  Wenzel, 
Tamba,  Davis,  and  myself,  were  present.  My  wife  and  sister 
were  ill.  Mr.  II.  came  uninvited.  The  two  Wesleyan  mission- 
aries invited  by  Mr.  Nylander  were  present. 

'  Stayed  at  Kissey,  with  the  intention  of  going  to  Wellington 
the  following  morning  with  Messrs.  Reffell  and  Nylander,  and 
also  to  Hastings.  Spoke  at  Kissey,  in  the  evening,  to  a  con- 
siderable number  of  people,  from  Gal.  iii.  9 — 13. 

^  April  10.  On  Mr.  Reftell's  joining  us,  we  proceeded  on 
horseback  to  Wellington.  This  place  has,  like  many  others 
situated  near  the  water,  many  advantages. 

'  Mr.  M'Foy,  a  mulatto,  who  is  the  superintendent,  urged 
mucli  the  necessity  of  having  an  assistant,  who  was  able  to  keep 
school  and  conduct  Divine  service.  He  said  that  he  had  un- 
dertaken to  read  prayers  and  a  portion  of  Scripture,  in  order  to 
keep  the  people  from  a  man  who  came  from  Freetown,  and 
who  filled  the  people  with  erroneous  ideas,  though  he  could  not 
read  a  word.  Oh  how  loud  does  this  and  similar  circumstan- 
ces cry  to  the  Church  Missionary  Society,  "  Send  missionaries  ! 
Send  missionaries  !"  Mr.  M'Foy  stated  further,  that  the  people 
were  very  anxious  to  know  the  truth,  and  if  any  person  was 
sent  to  preach  the  word  of  God,  the  man  from  Freetown  would 
soon  lose  his  deluded  hearers.  I  was  glad  to  find  "  Scott's 
Commentary"  in  Mr.  M'Foy's  possession,  and  th<at  he  uses  it 
when  he  reads  to  the  people. 

'  After  we  had  seen  the  schools,  we  entered  the  boat  and 
went  to  Hastings.  Before  we  left,  Mr.  Reftell  desired  Mr.  M'Foy 
to  get  the  people  ready  by  V,  at  which  time  we  would  (D.  V.) 
get  back  to  speak  to  them  from  the  word  of  God.  We  arrived 
at  Hastings  about  half-past  two  p.  m.  The  heat  was  so  oppres- 
sive that  none  of  us  remembered  to  have  ever  suffered  so  much. 


JO0ENAL. 


297 


Went  to  the  chapel  which  the  soldiers  have  built.  Mr.  Coker 
says  the  people  are  very  quiet. 

'  If  more  Missionaries  are  not  sent,  I  fear  some  of  the 
churches  and  houses,  which  have  been  built  by  us,  will  be 
enjoyed  by  strangers  like  those  of  this  place.  Wherever  I  go, 
Missionaries  are  wanted.  Oh  that  our  gracious  God  would 
send  us  more  help  ! 

'Left  Hastings,  and  returned  to  Wellington,  but  found  to 
our  great  mortification  that  the  tide  was  against  us.  Mr.  Ref- 
fell  promised  to  reward  the  boat-men,  if  they  would  reach 
Wellington  by  seven  o'clock.  They  rowed  very  hard,  but  did 
not  arrive  till  eight.  The  people  had  just  been  dismissed;  we 
therefore  lost  the  opportunity  of  addressing  them.  At  about 
half-past  nine  the  moon  arose,  and  Mr.  Reffell  and  myself  pro- 
ceeded to  Freetown,  and  Mr.  Nylander  to  Kissey  Town.  We 
got  to  Freetown  at  twelve  o'clock. 

'  April  1 4.  Sunday.  Prayer-meeting  as  usual.  Spoke  at 
half-past  ten  on  Numb.  xxi.  4.  "  And  the  souls  of  the  people 
were  much  discouraged  because  of  the  way."  I  found  it  pro- 
fitable to  dwell  upon  this  text,  as  the  people  did  also.  In  the 
afternoon,  read  and  explained  Prov.  xiv.  1 — 14.  In  the  even- 
ing spoke  from  John  vi.  6,  7.     "  Will  ye  also  go  away  ?" 

'■April  21.  Spoke  in  the  morning  on  Psalm  cxix.  1*76. 
While  speaking,  I  was  attacked  by  the  fever,  but  was  enabled 
to  finish  the  discourse.  I  did  not  preach  in  the  afternoon,  but 
in  the  evening  spoke  on  Rom^.  ix.  13.  During  the  past  week,  I 
have  been  very  busy.  In  the  evening,  as  usual,  I  have  had 
many  visitors.  Thanks  be  to  God  who  carries  on  his  great 
work  still.  Oh  that  I  could  but  praise  him  as  I  ought ;  but 
alas  !  alas  !  the  more  his  mercy  is  displayed,  the  more  ungrate- 
ful I  am  !  How  depraved  is  the  human  heart,  especially  my 
own  1  It  is  impossible  for  any  human  creature  to  be  more 
depraved  than  I  am.  I  am  convinced  in  my  mind  that  there 
is  none  worse  than  myself  in  the  world.  And  were  not  salva- 
tion of  free  and  sovereign  grace,  I  should  despair  this  moment ! 


298  MEMOIK    OF   JOHNSON. 

^Bev.  W.  Johnson  to  the  Secretaries. 

'Regent's  Town,  May  1.  1822. 
*  Rev.  and  dear  Sirs, 

*  With  grief  I  take  the  pen  in  hand  to  inform  you  that  my 
poor  wife  is  suddenly  so  much  afflicted,  that  the  doctors  recom- 
mend her  immediate  return  to  Europe. 

'It  appears  that  an  ulcer  is  forming  in  her  head,  which,  as 
the  doctor  says,  will  in  this  climate  spread  so  rapidly  that 
medical  assistance  which  they  may  offer  may  be  of  no  use.  I 
asked  the  doctor  to  tell  me  candidly  if  he  thought  there  was 
any  prospect  of  her  recovery,  and  he  replied  that  there  was 
none,  and  that  she  would  at  last  fall  a  sacrifice  to  the  disease ; 
but  he  would  still  advise  her  to  return  to  Europe,  as  she  would 
have  better  assistance  there,  than  she  could  receive  in  this 
country. 

'  Under  these  circumstances  you  must  conceive  what  my 
feelings  must  be — the  trial  is  indeed  severe ;  but  I  thank  my 
God  who  supports  me  wonderfully.  I  firmly  believe  I  shall  not 
see  her  again  in  the  flesh,  but  what  can  I  say  or  do  ?  "  The 
will  of  the  Lord  be  done."  My  present  feelings  will  not  per- 
mit me  to  enlarge. 

'  W.  Joiixsox.' 

'■  Journal  from  May  4,  to  June  12,  1822. 

'  May  4.  Took  leave  this  morning  of  my  poor  unfortunate 
wife.  What  I  felt  on  the  occasion  I  cannot  express  with  my 
pen.  Were  there  any  prospect  of  my  again  seeing  her  in  the 
flesh,  my  grief  would  not  be  so  great ;  but  under  the  circum- 
stances of  her  being  obliged  to  return  to  England,  I  could  not 
help  deeply  feeling  for  her, — she  will  have  to  spend  the  remain- 
der of  her  days  in  the  greatest  misery.  May  the  Lord  give  her 
patience,  and  afford  her  support  in  the  liour  of  death,  which  I 
think  cannot  be  far  oft'.  I  cannot  be  sufficiently  thankful  for 
the  mercy  vouchsafed  to  me  under  this  severe  trial  ;  I  have 


ILLNESS    OF    MRS.    JOHSSOX.  299 

enjoyed,  and  continue  to  enjoy,  the  smiles  of  his  countenance. 
I  can  say,  with  resignation,  "The  will  of  the  Lord  be  done." 
One  passage  of  the  Scripture  is  constantly  in  my  mind,  and 
affords  me  much  comfort,  "  What  I  do,  thou  knowest  not  now, 
but  thou  shalt  know  hereafter."  I  know  that  this  trial  will 
"  work  together  for  good,"  and  that  God  will  give  me  strength 
according  to  my  day.  When  I  came  home,  the  people  looked 
at  me  with  tears  in  their  eyes ;  it  appeared  as  though  they  wish- 
ed to  speak  to  me,  but  were  too  full  of  sorrow  to  say  anything. 
One  man  came  at  last  and  said  that  he  could  not  help  weep- 
ing when  he  saw  me.  "Mammy,"  he  observed,  " has  been 
with  us  six  years,  and  she  stands  the  same  like  our  mother. 
God  take  her  away,  and  w^ho  knows  how  soon  God  may  take 
you  away  ;  and  what  will  then  become  of  us  at  Regent's  Town  ? 
When  I  think  about  Mammy's  sickness,  my  heart  feel  I  never 
see  any  person  sutler  so  ;  and  when  she  go,  she  say  she  shall 
never  see  us  again,  until  we  meet  at  the  right  hand  of  God  ; 
them  words  go  through  my  heart."  He  wept  much,  and 
wounded  my  heart  afresh. 

'  One  woman  wept,  and  asked  why  I  had  not  told  them  that 
Mrs.  Johnson  Avas  going  to  England ;  she  had  not  known  it, 
and,  therefore,  had  not  bid  her  good-bye.  I  told  her  that  I 
had  not  known  it  myself,  until  the  day  before.  She  continued, 
"Me  was  young,  when  mammy  came  here,  and  she  stand  like 
ray  mother,  and  I  no  bid  her  good-bye  ! " 

'  Maij  5,  1822,  Sunday.  After  prayer-meeting  in  the  moi'n- 
ing,  several  people  came,  as  before,  and  Avith  sympathizing 
affection,  pitied  my  affliction.  One  woman  leaned  her  head 
against  the  staircase,  and  gave  free  vent  to  her  feelings  :  after 
she  had  a  little  composed  herself,  she  came  to  my  room  and 
said,  "  Oh,  Massa,  I  am  sorry  that  mammy  go  so  quick :  I  no 
say  good-bye  to  her,  which  make  me  so  troubled.  Two  words 
mammy  talked  to  me  I  never  forget."  She  was  again  over- 
come, and  went  away  weeping. 

'  At  ten  o'clock,  divine  service  was  performed.  Mr.  Norman 
read  prayers.     I  was  so  distressed  in  mind  that  I  could  not 


300  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

preach.  I  directed  Mr.  Norman  to  read  the  38th  Psalra.  Went 
in  the  afternoon  to  Gloucester — preached  and  administered  the 
Sacrament  to  about  forty-six  persons — my  mind  wj\s  much 
reHeved — the  Lord  revealed  himself  to  me  as  he  does  not  to 
the  world.  I  preached  at  Regent's  Town  in  the  evening  on 
Heb.  iv.  14,  15. 

*  After  evening  service,  some  other  women  came  and  ex- 
pressed their  sorrow  at  not  having  bade  Mrs.  Johnson  farewell. 
One  said,  "That  time  mammy  go,  I  think  she  go  to  bid  Mrs. 
During  good-bye.  Suppose  we  know  that  mammy  go  and  not 
come  again,  none  but  us  sliould  have  carried  her  to  Freetown. 
I  am  sorry  mammy  so  sick  ;  poor  thing,  she  was  suffering  so 
much,  and  that  for  me.  Suppose  she  was  no  come  to  this 
country,  she  no  so  sick ;  may  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  help  her." 
Another  said,  "  Mammy  say  when  she  go,  that  she  no  see  us 
again  in  this  world,  but  hope  to  meet  me  at  the  right  hand  of 
the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  at  the  day  of  judgment;  them  words 
make  me  sorry  too  much." 

'  May  6.  Received  this  morning,  a  note  from  an  African, 
who  does  not  reside  in  this  place.  I  must  confess  that  I  have 
received  notes  from  some  of  our  white  brethren  on  business, 
but  not  a  word  of  comfort  or  sympathy  is  contained.  Let  me 
never  hear  the  affections  of  the  black  Christians  censured.  I 
have  proof  that  the  taught  have  more  sympathy  and  brotherly 
feeling,  than  those  sent  to  teach  them.  The  African's  note  was 
as  follows  : 

'  My  dear  Sir, 
'  I  was  sorry  and  disappointed.  I  came  yesterday  to  hear 
you  preach,  as  I  have  had  no  opportunity  of  hearing  you  for 
some  time.  Believe  me,  my  dear  sir,  let  me  go  where  I  will, 
my  heart  can  never  let  me  think  any  church  like  Regent's 
Town  church.  I  am  very  cold  everywhere  else ;  then,  when  I 
hear  you  speak,  I  think  all  you  say  is  directed  to  me.  When 
I  saw  you  yesterday,  I  could  not  help  weeping,  only  I  hid  it 
from  you  as  much  as  I  could,  but  when  I  saw  Mrs.  Johnson's 


DEPARTURE    OF    MRS.    JOUNSOX.  301 

chair,  I  could  not  help  ciTing",  and  I  pitied  your  case  ;  but,  sir, 
all  things  work  for  good  to  them  that  love  God.  This  is  a 
cross  and  a  great  one  to  bear.  You  have  given  up  3'our  wife 
for  the  cause  of  Christ. 

'  "  I  remain,  &c." 

Vc        *        * 

'  A  considerable  number  of  my  flock  came,  and  participated 
in  my  affliction.  Some  said,  that,  as  God  had  taken  away  Mrs. 
Johnson,  he  wouM  perhaps  take  me  away ;  their  hearts  seemed 
so  full,  that  they  scarcely  could  express  their  feelings.  One 
said,  it  was  just  as  if  somebody  had  died — the  whole  place  was 
in  awful  silence,  and  every  body  appeared  to  mourn. 
.  'J/ay  7.  After  evening  service,  had  many  visits  as  usual. 
One  man  said,  "  I  was  in  the  bush,  making  shingles ;  when  my 
wife  came  running,  and  said,  "Mammy  done  go."  I  said,  I  not 
believe  that,  because  massa  no  tell  me,  but  when  I  come  home, 
I  hear  that  it  was  true.  Oh  I  so  sorry,  when  I  see  you  in  the 
church  Saturday  evening :  and  Sunday,  when  I  come  to 
church,  I  want  to  hear  God's  word  very  much — and  then  jou 
no  preach,  then  I  think  about  them  words  yo«  speak  long  time 
ago  in  the  church  :  you  say,  we  stand  the  same  as  people  who 
have  always  plenty  to  eat,  and  don't  know  what  it  is  to  be 
hungry;  we  liave  the  word  of  God  every  day,  but  you  afraid 
that  we  are  too  full,  and  get  careless  about  it;  take  care,  by 
and  bye,  God  may  take  away  his  word,  and  then  you  will 
know  what  it  is  to  hunger  for  it.  Ah,  massa,  them  words  come 
in  my  mind,  and  I  so  afraid,  by  and  bye  God  take  away  you 
too,  and  then  what  will  become  of  us  ?  "When  we  do  some- 
times what  is  not  right,  you  send  for  us  and  tell  us :  Avho  can 
come  here  and  do  the  same  ?  I  remember  what  is  written  in 
the  Revelations.  'I  will  remove  thy  candlestick  out  of  its 
place.'  Oh,  them  words  make  me  so  afraid,  may  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  have  mercy  upon  us,  and  not  take  j-ou  away." 
Others  expressed  themselves  in  like  manner.     Three  women, 

13  ,-:V  - 


302  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

■who  bad  been  excluded  from  the  Lord's  table,  were  re-admit- 
ted ;  their  conduct  being  consistent. 

'  I  still  enjoy  the  special  presence  of  my  Saviour ;  he  blesses 
me  with  a  peaceful  and  resigned  mind.' 

'■May  19.  AVent  this  morning  to  Freetown.  Called  at 
Gloucester,  settled  the  works,  and  decided  a  few  disputes. 
"When  in  Freetown,  the  Gambia  packet  arrived  with  plenty  of 
letters  from  different  vessels  which  had  arrived  from  London. 
There  were,  as  usual,  none  for  Missionaries.  I  believe  Chi-istian 
people  like  to  hear  from  Missionaries,  but  do  not  consider  how 
much  more  the  latter  long  to  hear  from  them  !  How  refresh- 
ing is  a  letter  in  the  hour  of  trial. 

'■May  11.  This  has  been  to  me  a  busy  da}'.  Have  to 
preach  three  times  to-morrow,  and  have  no  text.  Oh,  my  God, 
help  me.  I  have  no  time  to  study.  May  thy  grace  bo  suf- 
ficient for  me,  and  thy  strength  perfect  in  my  weakness.  One 
woman  came  last  night  who  had  been  a  backslider.  She  said, 
"  Massa,  do,  I  beg  you,  do  not  be  angry  with  me.  Suppose, 
massa,  you  have  a  child,  and  that  child  do  bad,  and  you  flog 
that  child  for  it,  is  it  not  still  your  child  ?  I  stand  the  same 
fashion.  I  have  done  bad  ;  I  have  sinned  against  God,  for 
which  I  have  been  turned  away  from  God's  people,  which  is  too 
much  trouble  for  me.  I  try  to  find  comfort,  and  sit  down  Avith 
them  people  who  no  love  God,  but  I  do  not  belong  to  them. 
I  deserve  to  be  tuined  into  hell,  but  the  Lord  desires  not  the 
death  of  a  sinner  ;  this  give  me  hope.  I  beg  you,  massa,  let  me 
come  again,  (she  had  been  excommunicated)  I  cannot  find  peace 
anywhere  but  at  the  feet  of  Jesus."  I  assured  her,  while  she 
wept  much,  that  it  was  not  my  business  to  keep  her  from 
Christ,  but  on  the  contrary,  to  invite  her  to  come  and  receive 
the  free  unmerited  mercy  of  God,  which  was  held  out  through 
Jesus  Christ  in  the  Gospel. 

^  May  12.  Spoke  on  Psalm  Ixii.  12  in  the  morning.  In  the 
afternoon  spoke  at  Leopold  from  Luke  xii.  32,  and  in  the 
evening  at  Regent's  Town  from  Rom.  viii.  31.      I  enjoyed  this 


JOURNAL.  303 

last  service  in  particular,  and  I  think  the  people  did  also,  for 
they  appeared  very  attentive.  I  entered  on  this  day  with 
fear  and  trembling — with  groans  and  sighs,  I  entered  the  gates 
of  the  sanctuaiy,  but  thou,  my  God  and  Father,  hast  wonder- 
fully supported  me.     Be  all  the  praise  and  glory  thine. 

''May  13.  Married  a  couple  belonging  to  Leopold.  After 
evening  service,  had  some  sweet  conversation  with  some  of 
my  hilmble  flock.  Thanks  be  to  the  Lord  of  all  grace  for 
carrying  on  his  work. 

'■May  14.  The  monthly  prayer-meeting  was  held  here  to- 
day. Mr.  and  Mrs.  Flood,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Taylor,  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Davey,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Norman,  Mr.  Beckley,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hud- 
dleston,  (Wesleyans)  W.  Tamba,  Davis,  Noah  and  Sandy  were 
present.     It  proved  a  refreshing  season  to  all. 

'•May  15.  Left  Regent's  Town  early  this  morning  for 
Freetown,  intending  to  proceed  to  York  with  Mr.  EefFell.  We 
did  not  embark  till  2  p.  m.,  Mr.  Reffell  having  to  attend  court. 
Mr.  Flood  expressed  a  great  desire  to  accompany  us  round  the 
colony.  Mr.  Beckley  agreed  to  read  prayers  for  Mr.  F.  on 
Sunday  next,  to  enable  Mr.  F.  to  go  with  us.  Between  seven 
and  eight  o'clock  it  grew  dark,  and  a  tornado  made  its  appear- 
ance, which  placed  us  in  no  little  danger :  had  not  our  gracious 
God  in  mercy  preserved  us,  we  must,  humanly  speaking,  have 
perished.  The  storm  commenced  immediately,  and  rushed 
from  the  mountain  towards  us  ;  but  at  the  moment  when  we 
expected  it  to  overtake  us,  it  changed  its  course,  and  passed  off 
behind  us.  We  had  not  more  than  about  five  minutes  heavy 
rain.  Our  boat  was  so  small  that  it  could  not  have  withstood 
the  winds  and  waves,  but  must  luTve  sunk.  The  other  boat, 
which  was  behind  us,  eftected  a  landing,  and  consequently  did 
not  reach  us  all  night.  We  arrived  at  York  at  nine  o'clock  ; 
we  had  to  pass  several  rocks,  and,  the  sea  running  high,  we 
passed  through  much  danger.  On  reaching  shore,  we  felt 
something  of  the  gratitude  we  owed  for  the  mercies  with 
which  our  Father  had  favoured  us.  We  determined  never  to 
put  to  sea  again,  towards  night,  in  so  small  a  boat  during  the 


304  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

tornado  season.  Mr.  Johnstone,  tbe  superintendent,  received 
us  very  hospitably. 

'■May  16.  The  people  assembled  in  the  evening.  I  ad- 
dressed them  on  John  iii.  1.  I  felt  peculiarly  hapjiy  in  ad- 
dressing them,  they  indeed  seemed  to  be  hungering  after  the 
word  of  God  ;  some  wept  bitterly.  When  I  visited  this  place 
before,  I  observed  several  persons  intoxicated  ;  this,  however, 
was  not  the  case  now.  The  superintendent  assured  me,  that, 
before  that  visit,  he  had  not  been  safe  out  of  doors  after  dark  : 
he  was,  however,  happy  to  say  that  an  entire  change,  so  far  as 
respects  their  moral  conduct,  had  taken  place.  It  was  also 
remarked  by  Mr.  Reffell,  that  he  had  never  seen  the  place  so 
quiet  as  it  now  was.  I  endeavoured  to  bring  John  Sandy  with 
me  to  this  place,  but  I  could  not  prevail  upon  liim.  He 
accompanied  me  as  far  as  Freetown,  but  took  care  not  to  take 
more  clothing  than  that  which  he  wore.  I  found  on  enquiry, 
that  he  was  afraid  I  should  leave  him  behind.  He  said  that  if 
I  stayed,  he  would  stay  too  ;  but  when  I  went,  he  would  go 
too.  Upon  my  discovering  this,  I  desired  him  to  return  home, 
with  which  he  seemed  well  pleased.  I  am  really  sorry  that  he 
is  so  partial  to  his  home,  for  I  hoped  to  place  him  among  this 
people. 

'■May  IV.  The  bell  rang  as  before,  between  four  and  five 
o'clock  in  the  morning ;  I  was  obliged  to  get  dressed  by  can- 
dle-light to  attend  chapel.  I  could  but  just  see  to  read  a  chap- 
ter at  the  window  :  I  chose  John  x. :  the  place  was  again  full,  and 
all  were,  as  usual,  very  attentive.  In  prayer  I  commended  them 
to  that  God  who  will  cari-y  on  his  work  of  grace  in  their  hearts, 
which  I  believe  is  bogun.  The  .superintendent,  Mr.  Johnstone, 
seemed  much  aft'ected. 

'  After  breakfast  I  married  four  couples.  Several  made 
application  for  baptism.  I  told  them  that  I  could  not  now 
baptize  them,  because  it  was  necessary  that  they  should  first 
be  instructed.  For  this  purpose  I  framed  some  questions, 
which  are  used  at  Regent's  Town,  and  directed  William  Allen 


VISIT    TO    KENT    SETTLEMENT.  305 

to  instruct  tv^ice  a-week  sucli  as  ■wished  to  be  baptized.  Some 
seemed  to  be  mucli  concerned  with  respect  to  their  spiritual 
state.  When  I  left  the  chapel,  I  was  much  entreated  to  visit 
them  again  soon  ;  which  I  promised  to  do  should  it  please  God. 

'  About  half-past  three  I  left  York,  accompanied  by  Mr. 
Johnstone ;  but  before  we  entered  the  boat,  I  addressed 
the  people  at  some  length  on  the  Scriptures ;  they  were  all 
attentive.  At  leaving  them,  they  again  requested  me  to  send 
a  man  to  teach  them.     We  reached  Kent  about  six  o'clock. 

'  May  18.  Had  prayers  with  the  people  this  morning. 
Read  Psalm  xxiii.  After  breakfast  proceeded  to  Banana 
Islands.  Mr.  Cammell,  the  superintendent,  found  this  morning 
several  tombstones  with  inscriptions  on  them.  Returned  to 
Kent  in  the  afternoon.  After  evening-service  I  conversed  with 
the  communicants.  One  man  had,  since  I  was  here,  quar- 
relled with  his  wife  ;  which  he  confessed,  expressing  much  sor- 
row. I  warned  and  exhorted  him  to  be  more  watchful,  for 
another  misdemeanour  might  deprive  him  of  the  privileges 
which  God's  people  enjoyed.  He  thanked  me,  and  entreated 
me  to  pray  for  him. 

'  Ma7/  19.  Had  service  with  the  people  this  morning.  Mr. 
Flood  read  prayers,  and  I  preached  from  Matt.  xi.  28.  After 
service  Mr.  F.  baptized  two  children,  and  we  administered  the 
Lord's  Supper  to  sixteen  persons. 

'Mr.  Cammell  came  from  the  Bananas  in  a  large  canoe, 
filled  with  people,  to  attend  divine  service.  The  place  was 
well  filled.  One  thing  appeared  to  me  strange,  as  we  do  not 
see  it  at  Regent's  Town,  viz.  that  the  people  came  in  very  late ; 
many  did  not  come  in  till  the  2nd  Lesson.  I  took  an  oppor- 
tunity in  my  discourse  to  reprove  them  sharply  for  so  doing. 
The  people  are  not  so  forward  to  hear  the  word  of  God  as  at 
York ;  but  such  as  profess  Christianity  are  attentive  to  the 
means.  My  reproof  had  some  effect,  as  they  came  much  sooner 
in  the  afternoon.  Mr.  Flood  addressed  them  on  Isaiah  Iv.  6,  Y. 
I  spoke  in  the  evening  on  Luke  v.  12,  13. 

'■May  20.     Married  two  couples,  after  which  a  few  disa- 


806  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

greeable  palavers  were  settled.  Mr.  Beckley  arrived,  and  com- 
plained much  that  the  apprentice-boys  did  not  attend  school  in 
tlie  evening.  I  am  afraid  there  are  faults  on  both  sides  ;  when 
the  African  once  gets  a  bad  opinion  of  an  European,  there  is 
no  help.  I  know  by  experience  that  the  Missionary  who  has 
the  affection  of  the  people,  can  do  more  by  two  words  spoken 
in  season,  yea,  by  a  sorrowful  look,  than  another  with  never  so 
severe  means.  I  have  seen  some  who  have  used  most  entreat- 
ing language  to  no  purpose ;  why  ?  Because  the  individuals 
entreated  did  not  believe  it  came  from  the  heart.  Mr.  Reffell 
asked  me  how  I  acted  with  such  boys.  I  said,  I  reasoned  with 
them,  which  had  generally  the  right  effect.  Once,  when  a  few 
carpenter's  boys  refused  to  attend  school,  I  ordered  them  to  go 
to  Kissey,  and  fetch  each  one  bushel  of  lime;  and  when  they 
came  home,  they  begged  my  pardon  with  tears  in  their  eyes. 

'  It  was  useless  for  me  to  entreat  Mr.  Beckley  to  use  milder 
means,  and  act  as  a  kind  father.  I  am  sorry  he  does  not  see 
things  better.  I  believe  he  is  zealous,  but  too  impatient.  Mr. 
Eeffell  was  of  my  opinion,  and  wished  I  could  speak  to  Mr.  B. 
by  my^lf,  which  I  did.  He  promised  to  follow  my  advice. 
Last  night  as  the  people  were  moving  to  go,  Mr.  Reffell  arose 
and  addressed  the  people.  He  spoke  very  pleasingly,  and 
begged  them  to  remember  what  they  had  heard,  and  follow 
the  advice  I  had  given  them. 

'  This  afternoon  we  left  Kent  in  a  canoe ;  as  the  tide  only 
suited  at  that  time,  we  could  not  go  before.  Came  about  1  p. 
M.  to  the  creek  which  leads  to  Calmont ;  about  two  miles  up 
the  creek,  we  turned  into  a  place  where  the  natives  burn  lime ; 
here  we  stayed  all  night.  The  owner,  who  knew  Mr.  Reffell, 
received  us  kindly  ;  we  slept  in  a  walled  house.  I  trust  I 
found  it  a  Bethel  to  my  soul. 

^  May  21.  Rose  at  day -break,  and  proceeded  up  the  creek. 
About  nine  we  arrived  at  AVaterloo,  where  we  were  hospitably 
received  by  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wilhelm. 

'  Nothing    particular    occurred   at   Waterloo  ;    the   people 


RETURN    TO    REGENt's    TOWN.  307 

appeared  to  be  comfortable.  Mr.  Flood  addressed  them  in  the 
eveniDg. 

'  May  22.  Spoke  to  the  people  in  the  morning.  About 
nine  o'clock  we  left  Waterloo  in  Mr.  RefFell's  boat,  which  had 
come  round  to  meet  us.  "We  called  at  Hastings  and  Welling- 
ton, but  made  no  stay  at  either  place.  At  the  latter,  Mr. 
Reffell's  horses  met  us,  and  we  proceeded  to  Kissey.  A  tor- 
nado made  its  appearance,  and  induced  me  to  stay  at  that 
place.     Messrs.  Flood  and  RefFell  went  on  to  Freetown. 

'■May  23.  Rode  early  to  Freetown,  and  from  thence  on  my 
horse  to  Regent's  Town.  My  people  met  me  on  the  road  by 
numbers,  it  being  the  day  when  they  go  for  rice.  They  all 
would  shake  hands  with  me.  Some  said,  "Ah,  massa,  we 
hungry  too  much  for  to  see  you."  Those  who  were  at  home, 
especially  the  schools,  met  me  on  the  hill  before  Regent's 
Town. 

'  I  enquired  whether  there  was  any  palaver.  They  answered 
with  joy,  "  No  palaver,  massa."  The  longer  I  am  among  these 
dear  children  of  Africa,  the  more  I  am  attached  to  them. 

'  In  the  evening'I  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Reftell  inform- 
ing me  that  Sir  R.  Mends  had  taken  1800  slaves.  One  vessel 
had  arrived,  and  I  Avas  ]-equesled  to  come  to  Freetown  to 
receive  200  of  these  unfortunate  creatures,  who  were  packed 
together  on  board  a  schooner. 

'  May  24.  Rode  early  to  Gloucester,  and  settled  all  busi- 
ness there.  From  thence  to  Freetown,  and  received  201  slaves, 
or  rather  liberated  Africans.  Returned  to  Regent's  Town, 
arriving  there  about  4  p.  m.' 

Bcv.  W.  B.  Johnson  to  Rev.  H.  During. 

'  Regent's  Town,  June  18,  1822. 
'  Dear  Brother, 
'Being  able  to  see  a  little  to-day,  I  shall  scrawl  a  few  lines 
as  well  as  my  eyes  will  allow.     The  ophthalmia,  or  soreness  of 
eyes,  has  unfortunately  broken   out  aiTiongst  us  at  Regent's 


'808  MEMOIR    or    JOHNSON. 

Town.  We  are  not  in  very  favourable  circumstances.  Our 
girls'  school,  which  consists  of  about  130,  is  greatly  afflicted 
"with  that  disease,  and  myself  and  most  of  my  servants  are 
labouring  under  it  too.  I  could  scarcely  see  anything  yester- 
day, but  am  much  better  to-day.  The  doctor  yesterday  lanced 
one  of  my  eyes,  and  put  a  blister  on  one  of  my  temples,  which 
has  eased  me  much,  and  restored  the  siglit  entirely.  I  can  see 
a  little  with  the  left  eye,  but  dare  not  expose  it.  Through  the 
mercy  of  God  I  hope  to  be  able  to  resume  my  labours  in  a  day 
or  two.  I  was  much  better  on  Saturday,  which  induced  me  to 
visit  Gloucester,  but,  on  my  way  home,  I  got  wet,  which 
brought  on  a  relapse. 

'  You  no  doubt  feel  anxious  to  know  the  state  of  Gloucester. 
I  am  happy  to  say  all  goes  on  as  well  as  can  be  expected.  I 
have  endeavoured  to  keep  the  people  orderly,  and  I  believe 
they  are  happy.  Six  of  the  backsliders  have  been  again  ad- 
mitted. Their  conduct  and  conversation  manifest  real  contri- 
tion. One,  I  am  sorry  to  say,  has  severely  fallen  :  a  carpenter 
— his  name  is  Cammell.  I  believe  him  to  be  a  bad  one.  I 
warned  him  twice,  but  notwithstanding  he  followed  his  own 
inclination,  ^e  first  told  lies,  and  then  fell  into  the  sin  of 
adultery.  Let  not  this  greatly  trouble  you,  dear  brother  ;  such 
things  will  happen  in  the  best  of  churches.  I  have  had  to 
experience  the  same  before  now  among  my  flock. 

'The  number  increases,  and  thus  the  Avork  of  mercy  is  pro- 
ceeding. I  said  that  six  backsliders  have  returned,  and  I  am 
happy  to  add  that  four  have  been  admitted  as  candidates  for 
baptism. 

'  The  church  is  painted  and  whitewashed  inside  and  out,  and 
thus  makes  a  comfortable  appearance.  The  tower  goes  on 
slowly  ;  the  masons  have  finished  the  windows. 

'  Sir  Robert  Mends  has  taken  1800  slaves  ;  about  800  have 
come  in,  and  the  rest  are  expected  daily.  I  should  have  liked 
much  to  have  taken  some  to  Gloucester,  but  those  you  received 
last  rains  are  not  in  order,  and  another  addition  would  most 
likely  have  put  the  whole  into  confusion.     Those  who  have 


MORE  SLAVES  LIBERATED.  309 

come  have  been  distributed  as  follows  :  — 200  to  Regent's 
Town,  300  to  Kissey,  and  150  each  to  Waterloo  and  Charlotte. 
Poor  Mr.  N^dander  is  almost  knocked  up.  Mr.  RefFell  told  me 
last  week,  that  Mr.  N.  was  willing  to  do  anything  in  his  power  ; 
but  that  he  was  unable  to  get  through  his  duties.  He  observ- 
ed the  same  of  Mr.  Wilhelm. 

'  It  is  in  contemplation  to  add  Bathurst  to  Regent's  Town, 
and  Leopold  to  Charlotte.  Mr.  Reffell  wishes  this  may  be 
done. 

'■June  19.  I  wrote  as  long  as  my  eyes  would  permit  me 
yesterday,  and  now  commence  again.  I  am  happy  to  say  I  can 
see  with  both  eyes.  The  Lord  be  praised  !  The  doctor  came 
here  yesterday,  and  recommended  that  all  afflicted  with  oph- 
thalmia should  be  separated.  I  hope  we  shall,  through  the 
blessing  of  God,  be  able  soon  to  stop  this  frightful  malady. 

'  The  day  before  yesterday,  a  slave-schooner,  with  400  un- 
happy fellow-creatures  on  board,  was  upset  off  Cape  Sierra 
Leone.  Only  seven  men  were  saved  ;  they  had  got  into  a  boat, 
and  were  picked  up  by  the  Myrmidon.  Nineteen  sailors  and 
two  officers  of  this  vessel  were  on  board  to  bring  her  into  Sierra 
Leone,  who  have  all  perished  with  the  rest.  A  tornado  came 
on  suddenly  and  turned  the  vessel  over ! 

'  Oh,  dear  brother,  how  many  poor  creatures  fall  a  sacrifice 
to  this  inhuman  traffic  in  human  blood.  I  have  been  filled 
with  horror  ever  since.  Numbers  were  landed  from  another 
vessel  yesterday  in  a  most  deplorable  condition. 

'  The  hospital  at  Leicester  is  overflowing.  Some  are  but 
just  alive,  and  others  are  walking  about  with  a  death -like  look, 
and  will,  to  all  appearance,  fall  a  sacrifice.  One  poor  creature 
in  the  girls'  school  died  just  now,  and  five  or  six  will  soon  fol- 
low :  my  heart  is  so  full  I  cannot  contain  myseF. 

'  What  do  the  good  people  of  England  know  about  the  real 
state  of  Africa  ?  You  know  they  can  have  no  idea  of  its  misery 
unless  they  are  eye-witnesses,  as  we  are.  Oh,  when  shall  an 
end  be  put  to  the  slave-trade  !  Oh  Lord  !  have  mercy,  have 
mercy  upon  benighted  Ethiopia  ! 

13* 


810  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

'  The  boats  of  the  frigate  fell  in  with  eight  slave-vessels,  who 
commenced  firing  upon  our  brave  tars,  who,  under  a  shower  of 
grape  shot,  boarded  one  which  had  twelve  guns  engaged. 
Fifteen  men,  who  amongst  a  number  of  others  united  to  the 
last,  received  no  quarter,  but  fell  under  the  swords  of  our  sea- 
men. An  Englishman  was  found  among  the  prisoners.  A 
corporal  of  marines  said  to  him,  "  "What !  are  you  slave-trad- 
ing ?"  and  then  he  shot  him  dead  on  the  spot. 

'  Sir  R.  Mends  is  just  the  man  we  want.  I  tliinlc  things  will 
soon  shew  a  change :  he  appears  very  determined.  We  expect 
slaves  in  every  day.  I  don't  know  where  we  shall  put  them 
all. 

'  Sir  6.  M'Carthy  returned  from  the  Gold  Coast  last  week. 
He  paid  us  a  visit  on  Friday.  He  said  he  thought  the  Society 
cared  very  little  about  Africa,  their  attention  was  more  directed 
to  India  and  New  Zealand  ;  they  could  vote  money  and  send 
it  to  those  places,  but  Africa  was  left  in  the  back-ground.  He 
asked  me  if  Africa  had  not  the  greatest  claim.  In  short,  I  could 
do  nothing  with  him. 

'  I  have  written  to  my  dear  wife.  You  must  not  alarm  her 
about  my  eyes  ;  there  is  no  danger.  I  have  no  doubt  I  shall 
be  perfectly  restored  in  a  day  or  two.  My  sister  has  had  her 
health  remarkably  well,  but  has  gone  to  bed  this  morning.  I 
am  afraid  she  v.^ill  have  the  fever.  I  do  not  know  what  I  shall 
do  without  her.     She  is  just  fit  for  an  African  school. 

'  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Norman  are,  as  usual,  one  day  well  and  an- 
other sick.  Mrs.  N.  is  nigh  her  trouble.  The  Lord  have  mercy 
upon  her ;  she  is  a  good  woman.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Davy  have 
been  very  ill.  The  doctor  went  there  one  day,  and  came  to 
Regent's  Town  quite  alarmed,  saying  that  Mr.  and  Mrs.  D.  were 
both  very  ill,  and  there  was  nobody  lo  attend  to  them  :  the 
children  had  left  them.  I  mounted  my  horse,  and  taking  two 
of  our  eldest  girls,  v,'eut  and  found  Mrs.  Davy  almost  exhausted, 
and  had  not  a  change  soon  taken  place  for  the  better,  she  must 
have  died.  Mr.  Davy  was  nut  so  bad.  I  left  the  two  girls  with 
tliom,  who  staved  till  thev  had  recovered.     Mrs.  Taylor  is  still 


lETTERS    TO    ENGLAND.  311 

very  ill.  I  don't  know  that  I  ever  saw  her  so  reduced.  Thus 
the  "vale  of  tears"  is  not  in  favourable  circumstances:  if  any 
one  wishes  to  experience  trials,  let  him  come  to  Africa.  It  is 
certainli/  the  worst  climate  in  the  u'orld  ;  yet  there  is  not  a  spot 
in  the  world  I  like  better.     I  could  not  live  elsewhere. 

'  I  shall  send  my  journal  to  Messrs.  Pratt  and  Bickersteth, 
biit  can  only  write  a  few  lines,  as  I  must  send  down  all  before 
to-morrow  night.  You  may  let  them  read  that,  as  I  shall  refer 
them  to  it. 

'Remember  me  to  all  dear  Christian  friends ;  tell  them  that 
they  use  me  ill,  because  they  do  not  write.  We  always  remem- 
ber my  dear  wife,  you,  and  Mrs.  D.,  in  prayer.  I  can  say  you 
have  not  been  forgotten  once,  either  in  public  or  family  worship, 
since  you  sailed.  May  the  God  of  sovereign  grace  be  with  you 
and  yours. 

'  I  am,  (fee, 

'  W.  Johnson.' 


Rev.  W.  Johnson  to  the  Secretaries. 

'Freetown,  July  11,  1822. 
'  My  dear. Sirs, 

*I  have  just  now,  for  the  first  time,  come  dov,n  to  Freetown, 
after  having  been  much  afdictod  with  the  ophthalmia. 

'  The  vessel  is  under  weigh,  and  I  am  thus  not  able  to  write 
much.     I  did  not  know  there  was  any  conveyance  until  now. 

'  Mrs.  jSTorman  is  very  ill ;  some  of  the  rest  have  fever,  but 
not  dangerously.     I  fear  Mrs.  Norman  is  in  danger. 

'  The  rains  are  very  severe,  it  rains  almost  continuall3\  May 
the  Lord  help  us,  and  bring  us  safe  through  ; — pray  for  us  1 

'  I  have  never  enjoyed  better  general  health  ;  am  the  only 
one  who  has  hitherto  escaped  fever,  but  have  suffered  much 
with  my  eyes;  my  left  eye  is  very  dim,  and  I  am  afraid  will 
never  be  perfectly  restored. 

'The  Lord  is  still  blessing  the  word.  I  administered  the 
Lord's  Supper  to  337  communicants  last  Sunday  at  Regent's 


312  MEMOIR    OF   JOHKSOX. 

Town.     About  tliiity-eigbt  or  forty  were  absent  through  sick- 
ness, 

'  I  hope  my  dear  wife  has  arrived,  with  Mr.  and  Mrs.  During, 
by  tbis  time. 

'  W.  Johnson.' 

'  Regent's  Town,  Oct.  18,  18'22, 
'  Rev.  and  dear  Sirs  ; 

*  I  forward  you  the  following  journals,'  &c. 

'  Be  so  kind  as  to  present  my  grateful  acknowledgments  to 
tbe  Committee,  for  tbe  fine  organ  wbicb  tbey  bave  been  pleased 
to  send  us. 

'Since  our  quarterly  meeting,  I  bave  received  180  men  from 
a  slave-vessel,  wbicb  bas  increased  our  population  to  1900. 

'  Our  cburcb  proves  again  too  small.  It  would  bold  our 
own  people,  but  as  more  join  us  on  Lord's-days,  a  great  many 
are  obliged  to  remain  out  of  doors, 

'  Tbe  number  of  candidates  for  baptism  bas  increased  since 
our  last  quarterly  meeting  to  tbirty-six  ;  tbe  Lord  is  still  doing 
•wonders  amongst  us.     May  bis  name  be  praised. 

'  You  will  rejoice  witb  me  at  wbat  tbe  Lord  bas  done  at 
Gloucester,  my  report  gives  a  slight  view  of  tbe  case.  Mr. 
During  will,  without  doubt,  be  pleased,  when  be  finds  on  his 
return  that  tbe  number  of  communicants  bas  increased  from 
forty-five  to  100,  and  as  many  more  are  inquiring.  That  fear- 
ful Taraba  trembles  at  tbe  idea  of  baving  tbe  Cburcb  of  Christ 
filled  witb  bypocrites. 

'  A  report  was  brought  bere  by  a  vessel  wbicb  brought  let- 
ters from  sevei-al  of  the  passengers  w4io  sailed  with  Mr.  During, 
that  Mrs.  Johnson  had  died  at  sea.  Tbis  report  bas  distressed 
me  much,  and  I  think  it  is  very  bard  tbat  Mr.  During  bas  not 
■written  to  me ;  particularly  as  three  vessels  bave  sailed  from 
England,  and  reached  bere,  since  bis  arrival. 

'  I  received  last  week,  per  tbe  Mary,  a  letter,  in  which  I  am 
informed  of  tbe  deatb  of  my  motber,  and  of  my  sisters  baving 
suflFered  severely,  and  being  much  distressed. 


NATIVE    CHRISTIANS.  313 

'  My  work  and  my  trials  have  caused  me  to  have  nothing 
but  restless  nights,  and  I  indeed  wonder  that  illness  has  not 
followed  the  suspense  in  which  I  have  been  kept  by  Mr.  Du- 
ring. The  loss  of  my  mother,  and  my  numerous  engagements, 
&c.,  appear  like  a  cloud  which  I  cannot  penetrate ;  but  blessed 
be  my  God  and  Saviour,  who  still  says,  "  My  grace  is  sufficient 
for  thee."  I  -spoke  last  Sunday  twice  from  these  words  with 
much  comfort.  I  have  scarcely  any  time  to  study,  yet  never 
enjoyed  greater  freedom  in  the  pulpit  than  I  do  at  present. 
To  the  Lord  be  the  praise  and  glory. 

'  We  are  now  looking  forward  with  pleasure  for  the  arrival 
of  our  fellow-labourers.  The  harvest  truly  is  great,  but  the 
labourers  are  few, 

'  Allow  me  to  give  you  my  sentiments  respecting  the  semi- 
nary youths.  Several  have  now  advanced  to  manhood,  and  it 
is  time,  I  think,  to  look  for  some  fruits  from  the  labours  which 
have  been  expended. 

'  The  following,  I  now  think,  are  fit  to  conduct  a  school  un- 
der a  missionary,  and  when  our  friends  arrive,  one  to  each  will 
prove  of  great  service.  John  Johnson,  William  Bickersteth,  T. 
Macaulay,  D.  Johnson,  T.  Johnson,  John  Attana,  and  W.  Gar- 
non.  These  have  been  trained  up  under  my  own  care,  and  I 
am  satisfied  with  their  piety,  and  with  their  willingness  to  be 
made  useful  in  the  Lord's  vineyard.  I  do  not  forget  the  bene- 
fit I  receive  from  Noah's  exertions,  and  I  believe  that  these 
young  men  are  similar  characters. 

'  D.  Noah  is  employed  from  daybreak  till  ten  o'clock  at  night ; 
a  continuance  of  exertion  which  no  European  could  endure  in 
this  climate.  He  conducts  entirely  the  day  and  evening  schools ; 
besides  this  he  issues  rations  for  about  1,200  people,  keeps  the 
provision-lists  and  returns,  and  school-lists,  measures  out  all  the 
lots,  and  sees  that  the  houses  and  fences  are  regularly  built ; 
prays  with  the  sick,  receives  the  stores  every  Thiu-sday  in  Free- 
town, enters  marriages,  baptisms,  &c.,  and  does  the  duty  of  a 
parish  clerk  ;  in  short  he  is  every  thing  at  Regent's  Town.  He 
occasionally,  when  I  could  not,  has  gone  to  Bathurst  and  also 


314  MEMOIR    OF   JOHNSON. 

to  Gloucester.  I  cannot  sufficiently  praise  God  for  having  given 
me  such  an  assistant.  He  does  all  with  great  pleasure,  and 
never  thinks  that  he  can  do  too  much.  If  he  has  five 
minutes  to  spare,  they  are  generally  spent  in  my  study  among 
the  boots.  He  works  a  slateful  of  problems  during  school- 
hours,  which  he  copies  in  a  book  between  ten  and  eleven  o'clock 
at  night;  and  after  that  time  he  writes  his  journal ;  he  then 
retires,  and  rests  till  half-past  five  in  the  morning. 

*  Tamba  and  Davis  are  very  useful  at  Gloucester  and  Bath- 
urst,  but  are  not  equal  to  Noah.  They  cannot  write  so  well  as 
they  did,  and  I  shall  be  glad  when  they  can  be  spared  to  re- 
turn for  awhile  to  the  seminary.  Tamba's  constitution  is  not 
very  strong,  and  he  is  always  full  of  trouble.  lie  is  very  use- 
ful among  the  people  at  Gloucester. 

'  Sandy  has  been  received  as  a  native  teacher.  He  now  pur- 
sues his  studies  in  the  seminary  with  great  earnestness,  and  I 
consider  him  a  very  proqsising  man.  He  instructs  the  candi- 
dates for  baptism,  and  is  very  useful  to  me. 

'  Antony  Morgan  still  pursues  his  trade,  but  I  have  no  doubt 
of  his  filling,  some  day  or  other,  a  situation  amongst  us ;  he 
grows  in  grace  and  in  the  knowledge  of  Christ, 

'  As  we  have  been  preparing  males,  I  have  not  forgot  to 
educate  proper  females.  We  have  now  about  twelve  girls  in 
the  school,  who  are  themselves  able  to  conduct  a  school.  They 
are  all  pious,  and  can  read,  write,  cut  out,  make  all  sorts  of 
female  clothing,  mark,  wash,  cook,  &c.,  and  are  either  teachers 
or  ushers  in  turn  keeping  school.  Two  of  these  females  are 
about  to  be  married  on  Monday  next  to  seminarists.  Rachel 
Garnon  to  J.  Johnson,  and  Sarah  Allan  to  William  Bicker- 
steth. 

'  The  longer  I  am  here,  the  more  I  am  convinced  that  native 
teachers  will  in  time  promote  the  object  of  the  Society.  I  yes- 
terday added  two  pious  lads  to  the  number  of  students  in  tlie 
seminary.  Their  names  are  Edward  Bickersteth  and  Henry 
Johnson,  both  ushers  in  our  day-school,  and  promising  youths. 

'Mr.  and  Mrs.  Norman  have  suffered  considerablv  in  the  late 


QUARTERLY    REPORT.  315 

rains,  but  are  now  better.  Mr.  Norman  is  useful  in  superin- 
tending buildings.  We  live,  blessed  be  God,  in  peace,  and  the 
work  of  the  Lord  prospers. 

'  I  forgot  to  observe,  that  teaching  the  present  seminarists 
Latin  is  inexpedient ;  they  are  too  far  advanced  in  years. 
The  rising  generation,  such  as  have  been  born  here,  are  better 
calculated  to  be  taught. 

'  There  has  been  a  great  stir  between  Mr.  Flood  and  the 
Dissenters  about  burying  the  dead ;  not  creditable,  in  my  mind, 
to  Mr.  F.     Why  did  he  not  let  the  dead  bury  the  dead  ? 

'  We  are  much  in  want  of  jjaper  and  copy-books,  and  some 
copies  ;  as  our  school  is  so  large  it  is  impossible  to  write  all  the 
copies. 

'  I  am  sorry  to  say,  Mr.  RefFell  will  be  obliged  to  return  to 
Europe  on  account  of  ill  health. 

'  I  look  with  great  anxiety  for  a  letter  respecting  my  dear 
wife.  It  is  still  reported  here  that  s^e  died  at  sea ;  but  how 
the  report  began,  I  have  not  been  able  to  discover.  Pray  for 
me,  that  strength  may  be  given  to  me  equal  to  my  da)^ 

'  The  Governor  and  several  sea-officers  are  to  attend  divine 
service  here  on  Sitnday.  My  engagements  are  so  numerous, 
that  I  scarcely  know  from  morning  to  night  what  I  have  been 
about;  but  my  God  sustains  me  in  mercy. 

'  May  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  be  with  you.  So 
prays 

'  W.  A.  B.  Johnson.' 


Report  for  Quarter  ending  Sept.  29,  1822. 

*  Dear  Brethren, 
'  Grace  unto  you  and  peace  be  multiplied  1  Blessed  be  the 
God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who,  according  to 
His  abundant  mercy,  hath  brought  us  once  more  together, 
after  so  many  toils  and  trials.  'J'he  rains  are  abating,  and  we 
may  now  rejoice,  in  hope  of  further  usefulness.     It  continues  to 


316  MEMOIR    OF   JOHNSON. 

please  God  to  carry  on  Uis  work  of  mercy  at  Regent's  Town. 
On  the  1st  of  September,  I  baptized  29  adults,  whom  I  have 
reason  to  believe  to  be  such  as  shall  be  saved  ;  since  which  22 
adults  have  been  received  as  candidates  for  baptism.  On  that 
day  I  administered  the  Lord's  Supper  to  365  communicants ; 
all  were  present  but  the  sick.  I  do  not  exactly  know  the 
number  of  communicants  now  ;  as  several  backsliders,  and  such 
as  had  been  suspended  for  a  short  period,  have  been  readmitted. 
I  may,  howevei-,  with  safety  report  that  the  number  of  com- 
municants at  present  is  400,  and  the  candidates  for  baptism 
22,  making  a  total  of  422. 

*  Notwithstanding  the  addition  to  the  cluirch,  we  were  last 
Sunday  much  confined  for  want  of  room.  I  never  knew  the 
schools  better  attended  than  they  are  now,  especially  the  men's 
evening  school :  we  are  much  in  want  of  room.  Having  lost  a 
considerable  number  of  the  last  new  children,  our  day-schools 
have  rather  decreased,  but  the  night-schools  have  increased. 
The  progress  of  the  scholars  is,  in  general,  very  good,  especially 
of  the  first  classes  in  both  the  day  and  evening  schools,  in 
reading,  writing,  and  arithmetic ;  also  the  girls  in  marking, 
David  Noah  and  my  sister  conduct,  as  before,  both  day  and 
evening  schools.  John  Johnston,  and  several  of  the  Institu- 
tion-youths, conduct  themselves  with  propriety  in  the  evening 
schools  as  teachers.  John  Johnson  is  usher,  and  is  a  great 
assistance  to  Noah.  The  first  class  in  the  boys'  school,  and 
that  in  the  girls,  are  also  teachers  in  the  evening  schools. 

The  number  of  scholars  is  as  follows  : 

Boys  residing  in  the  school-house     130 
Do.         do.         with  their  parents     48 

178 

Girls  residing  in  the  school-house     121 
Do.         do.         with  their  parents     53 

174 


JOURNAL. 

Meti's  evening  school 

439 

Women's    do. 

42 

Christian  Institution 

23 

Total  scholars 

856 

SlY 


'Thus  I  have  briefly  stated  the  proceedings  of  the  work  of 
the  Lord,  and  I  am  fully  persuaded  every  one  who  has  tasted 
that  the  Lord  Jesus  is  gracious,  will  lift  up  his  heart  with 
gratitude  to  Him  who  doeth  all  things  well.  Oh  !  my  brethren, 
what  has  God  wrought !  When  we  consider  the  state  of  our 
people  a  few  years  back,  when  they  landed  from  the  holds  of 
slave-ships,  and  see  them  now  in  their  right  mind  sitting  at 
the  feet  of  Jesus,  we  are  constrained  to  confess  "  the  Lord  has 
done  great  things  for  us,  whereof  we  are  glad." 

'  W.  Johnson.' 

Journal,  from  July  8  to  Oct.  23,  1822. 

'■July  8.  Thanks  to  God,  who  has  restored  my  sight  so  far 
that  I  can  resume  my  labours. 

'  At  the  quarterly  meeting  held  at  Kissey  on  the  25th  ult.,  I 
caught  cold,  which  brought  on  a  relapse  of  the  ophthalmia, 
and  almost  deprived  me  of  my  left  eye.  I  fear  it  will  not  be 
perfectly  restored  ;  at  the  same  time  I  feel  thankful  that  I  can 
see  a  little  with  it.     The  Lord  be  praised  for  his  mercy. 

'  Not  being  able  to  administer  the  Lord's  Supper  the  Sunday 
before  last,  it  was  appointed  for  yesterday.  On  Saturday 
evening  I  collected  all  the  communicants  in  the  church. 
Having  observed  a  coldness  in  them,  I  was  desirous  to  exhort 
them  previous  to  the  administration  of  the  Lord's  Supper  ;  but 
as  it  rained  very  much,  only  half  came.  As  this  did  not  satisfy 
my  mind,  I  appointed  the  following  morning  at  9  o'clock,  for 
all  who  intended  to  come  to  the  Lord's  table  to  be  in  the 
church.  Accordingly,  all  except  the  sick,  came  in  twelve  dif- 
ferent parties,  according  to  the  divisions  of  the  town,  to  church. 


318  MEMOIR    OF    JOHXSOX. 

My  heart  did  rejoice  when  I  saw  this  scene.  I  read  (as  some 
had  been  re-admitted)  such  passages  of  Scripture  as  tended  to 
humble  them,  and  exhorted  the  rest  to  carefulness  and  watch- 
fulness. Also  I  read  and  explained  the  Communion  service 
in  the  Prayer-Book,  and  when  my  conscience  was  satisfied, 
I  concluded  with  prayer.  Two  young  men  then  came  forward, 
and  said  that  they  had  quarrelled,  and  desired  to  mate  peace 
with  each  other  before  they  carne  to  the  Lord's  Supper :  this 
was  soon  effected,  as  both  said  they  were  wrong.  A'  woman 
said  to  me  that  shs  had  spoken  evil  behind  another's  back,  and 
wished  to  beg  her  pardon,  which  of  course  I  advised  her  to  do 
by  all  means.  She  went  and  did  so,  and  the  offended  woman 
forgave  her  with  great  cheerfulness.  I  was  so  delighted  with 
the  simple  mode  they  dealt  with  each  other,  that  I  could 
scarcely  forbid  shedding  a  tear,  seeing  that  "  my  children  walk 
in  truth."  Oh,  that  these  dear  people  may  continue  in  their 
simplicity ! 

'  The  bell  was  then  rung,  and  the  church  was  then  opened 
for  the  rest  of  the  people.  I  went  to  my  house,  and  saw  the 
people  coming  in  every  direction  ;  but  it  was  perceptible  that 
the  "salt"  and  the  "light"  were  inside  the  church.  I  read 
prayers,  and  preached  on  Luke  xviii.  13.  "  God  be  merciful  to 
me  a  sinner.'  As  their  consciences  had  been  previously 
touched,  the  text  seemed  to  make  such  impression,  that  an 
awful  silence,  with  the  greatest  attention,  was  observable 
through  the  service. 

'After  the  sermon  I  baptized  five  infants,  and  administered 
the  Lord's  Supper  to  the  goodly  number  of  337.  Though  I 
had  spoken  for  five  hours,  yet  I  felt  no  fatigue.  Glory  be  to  my 
God  and  Saviour,  for  the  portion  of  strength  whicli  he  gives 
me,  according  to  my  days!  Oh  that  I  could  but  be  more 
grateful  for  the  special  mercy  with  which  he  continues  to  favour 
me  ! 

'  In  the  evening  it  rained  much,  but  still  the  church  was 
well  attended.  The  boys  concluded  as  usual  with  their  prayer- 
meeting,  under  the  direction  of  Peter  Hughes. 


CHRISTIAN    DISCIPLINE.  319 

'  A  circumstance  occurs  to  me,  which  happened  on  Saturday, 
which  I  think  is  worthy  to  be  related,  as  it  will  show  how  the 
Lord  has  favoured  many  of  these  dear  people  vfith.  tender 
consciences. 

'  Walking  in  my  piazza,  I  saw  a  school-girl,  a  communicant, 
about  seventeen  years  old,  who  is  generally  very  steady,  coming 
up  the  hill,  with  another  girl,  rather  thoughtlessly  laughing 
and  talking  :  which  is  unusual,  as  most  of  the  people,  at  that 
time,  when  they  have  got  everything  ready  for  Sunday,  sit 
down  and  read  their  Bibles.  When  she  had  passed  my  house 
I  called  to  her,  and  said,  "  Mary,  what  day  is  to-morrow  ? " 
She  made  a  full  stop — cast  her  eyes  to  the  ground— paused  a 
while ;  and  then  looked  up  with  a  sad  countenance,  and  said, 
"The  Lord's  day,  Sir."  Seeing  that  she  was  sufficiently 
reproved,  I  resumed  my  walk.  When  I  turned  about,  I  saw 
Mary  standing  at  the  other  end  of  the  piazza,  and  tears  rollino- 
down  her  black  cheeks.  When  I  came  near  she  made  a  low 
curtesy,  and  said,  "  I  thank  you.  Sir ;  "  and  then  turned  about 
and  went  to  the  school-house,  and  I  "have  no  doubt,  fell  on  her 
knees,  and  turned  to  her  Bible. 

'■July  13.  I  am  extremely  sorry  that  during  my  indisposi- 
tion, and  Tamba's  illness  at  Gloucester,  the  tower  of  the  church 
at  that  place  was  neglected  by  the  master-mason,  and  not 
covered  during  the  heavy  rains,  in  consequence  of  which  it  has 
cracked,  so  that  part  requires  to  be  taken  down.  The  church 
at  Freetown,  which  has  cost  many  thousand  pounds,  has  also 
given  way,  and  a  great  part  must  be  taken  down.  I  wonder 
when  that  unfortunate  building  will  be  finished. 

'  This  wet  and  gloomy  weather  has  such  an  effect  both  on 
body  and  soul  that  one  scarcely  knows  how  to  keep  them  in 
exercise. 

'Come,  Holy  Spirit,  come! 
Let  thy  bright  beams  arise; 
Dispel  all  sorrow  from  our  minds 
And  darkness  from  oui'  eyes. 

'■July  15.     The  weather  continues  to  be  very  severe.     The 


320  MEMOIR    OF   JOHNSON. 

water  comes  down  in  torrents.  Most  of  tlie  new  cliiUlren  are 
sick,  and  several  have  died.  Their  constitutions  sufter  so  much 
in  the  holds  of  slave-vessels  that  their  strength  is  insuflBcient  to 
endure  the  rains  which  prove  so  very  severe  this  season.  None 
sufter  more  than  females,  especially  girls  from  ten  to  twelve 
years  of  age,  who  die  very  fast.  Having  arrived  at  that  age 
when  African  females  come  to  a  state  of  maturity,  that  change, 
with  the  hardships  they  have  undergone,  proves  too  much  for 
them,  and  they  sink  under  their  afl]liction.  Oh,  horrid  slave 
trade  !  "  Lord,  how  long  shall  the  wicked  triumph  ?"  "They 
slay  the  widow  and  the  stranger,  and  murder  the  fatherless." 
I  could  wish  myself  away  from  these  scenes  of  horror ;  they 
are  much  too  deplorable  to  be  witnessed !  Were  it  not  a 
Christian  principle  which  keeps  me  on  the  spot,  I  think  I 
would  rather  be  shut  up  in  a  dungeon  than  behold  and  hear 
the  sighs  and  dying  groans  of  these  unfortunate  victims.  All 
efforts  to  save  their  lives  seem  to  be  in  vain,  and  to  prepare 
their  minds  for  eternity  proves  also  impossible.  When  some 
of  those  who  have  been  here  longer,  and  have  been  awakened 
by  grace,  address  them  in  their  own  language,  it  appears  to 
make  no  impression  on  them  :  they  are  so  benumbed  through 
many  and  continual  afflictions  that  they  have  lost  even  rational 
feelings. 

'  Divine  service  was  held  yesterday.  In  the  forenoon  I  was 
obliged  to  omit  the  Liturgy,  as  the  people  were  all  wet.  In- 
deed it  was  impossible  to  get  dry  to  church,  if  the  distance  was 
ever  so  short.  I  read  a  chapter,  prayed,  and  preached  on  Job 
xxix.  2.     "  Oh  that  I  were  as  in  months  past." 

*  Got  with  great  diflSculty  to  Gloucester  in  the  afternoon. 
Spoke  on  John  iii.  3.  The  people,  who  were,  I  believe,  all 
present,  appeared  very  attentive,  which  surprised  me,  being 
myself  so  lifeless.  I  was  more  surprised,  when  I  had  conclud- 
ed, to  find  that  several  wanted  to  speak  to  me.  I  adminis- 
tered the  Lord's  Supper  to  forty-eight.  Found  it  good  to  be 
there. 

'  In  the  evening,  not  so  many  people  were  present,  as  it  rained 
very  much. 


STRICTNESS    AS    TO    MARRIAGE.  321 

'^  July  21,  Sunday.  Spoke  in  the  morning  on  2  Pet.  iii. 
13.  In  the  afternoon,  between  showers  of  rain,  I  got  to 
Leopold's  Town.  Preached  on  1  Thess.  iv.  18,  "Wherefore 
comfort  one  another  with  these  words."  Administered  the 
Lord's  Supper  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Davy,  Mr,  and  Mrs.  Taylor  and 
eight  people. 

'In  the  evening  spoke  at  Regent's  Town,  on  1  Thess.  v.  11. 
"  Wherefore  comfort  yourselves  together,  and  edify  one 
another,  as  also  ye  do." 

'  On  Saturday,  Sarah  A.  came  to  me,  and  said  that  she  had 
given  her  word  to  a  young  man,  an  apprentice  to  a  carpenter, 
about  two  years  ago,  to  marry  him,  provided  he  behaved  like 
a  Christian,  which  he  promised  to  do.  He  had,  however, 
broken  his  promise,  and  now  she  wished  to  know  whether  she 
should  do  right,  if  she  returned  a  few  handkerchiefs  which  he 
had  given  her,  and  declined  to  have  anything  further  to  do 
with  him.  I  wished  to  know  in  what  the  young  man  had 
acted  inconsistently  ;  she  said,  "  Massa,  he  had  a  little  sore  on 
his  foot,  and  he  always  sent  word  to  the  master-carpenter  that 
he  could  not  come  to  work,  his  foot  was  bad ;  and  he  stop  at 
home  nearly  four  months  :  and  all  that  time  he  went  to  work 
on  his  farm,  and  went  to  Gloucester  to  see  his  countrymen. 
Now,  if  he  could  go  to  his  farm  and  go  to  Gloucester,  he  could 
have  come  to  work.  You  see,  massa,  I  think  he  no  Christian  ; 
he  tells  lies,  and  is  lazy ;  and  suppose  he  do  so  now,  what  will 
he  do  when  he  is  married  ?  Now  me  'fraid  of  this  ;  and  that 
is  the  reason  that  I  do  not  want  to  have  any  thing  to  do  with 
him."  I  mention  this  to  shew  to  what  a  state  the  gospel  has 
brought  our  young  people.  It  is  unknown  for  a  believer  to 
marry  an  unbeliever ;  the  strictest  principle  is  observed  on  that 
head. 

'  July  30.  The  weather  has  been  remarkably  fine  for  eight 
days  past.  On  Sunday  we  had  three  times  a  large  congrega- 
tion. In  the  morning  I  read  prayers,  and  preached  on  Rom, 
viii.  1.  In  the  afternoon,  read  and  explained  Isaiah  xii.  and  in 
the  evening  preached  from  Gen.  vii.  1,  "Come  thou  and  all 


322  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

thy  house  into  the  ark."  The  Lord  gave  the  people  inclina- 
tion to  hear ;  all  were  remarkably  attentive. 

'  Went  yesterday  to  Gloucester.  Spoke  to  several  people 
who  made  application  for  baptism.  Received  three  on  trial  and 
for  instruction. 

'  Went  to-day  to  Bathurst,  Leopold's  Town  and  Charlotte 
Town.  Our  friends  at  those  places  are  well.  Was  prevented 
returning  to  Regent's  Town  on  account  of  the  dark,  and  then 
got  wet. 

'  Saw  this  morning  one  of  our  communicants,  who  has  been 
very  ill.  She  was  very  happy  when  she  saw  me,  and  said,  "Oh. 
massa,  I  thank  you  too  much  for  come  to  see  me.  I  think, 
last  Sunday  night,  I  no  see  you  again  in  this  world.  I  was  so 
sick  I  faint ;  and  I  think,  now  my  time  come.  I  want  to  send 
to  you,  but  I  think  j'ou  tired ;  it  was  late.  It  was  just  as  if 
my  soul  wanted  to  go  out  of  my  body.  I  say,  '  Lord  Jesus, 
receive  me.'  But  a  little  after  I  got  better.  I  think  now  that 
I  no  been  give  myself  quite  up  to  God,  and  that  is  the  reason 
God  punish  me.  Now  God  shall  have  my  whole  heart.  You 
see,  Massa,  me  now  done  with  the  world.  I  am  fully  sure 
nothing  can  give  me  a  bit  of  peace.  No,  nothing  but  the 
blood  of  Jesus  Christ.  Oh  may  He  help  me  to  serve  Him  for 
true." 

''August  12.  A  visit  to  York,  and  other  business,  has  en- 
tirely hindered  me  from  following  up  my  journal. 

'On  Sunday  (Aug.  4)  I  administered  the  Lord's  Supper  to 
329  communicants  at  Regent's  Town ;  the  rest  (42)  were 
absent  through  sickness,  except  one  woman  who  was  frightened 
away  by  her  having  quarrelled  with  her  husband.  They  had 
prayer  at  9  o'clock,  and  the  bell  rang  at  ten  for  church.  The 
man  being  afraid  that  he  should  be  too  late,  left  his  breakfast, 
dressed  himself,  and  went  away,  saying,  "Ann,  you  might  have 
got  the  rice  cooked  a  little  sooner."  The  woman  did  not 
answer,  but  was  so  alarmed  during  divine  service,  that  she  was 
tempted  to  go  home,  and  not  jDartake  of  the  Lord's  Supper. 
The  husband  was  much  alarmed,  and  came  after  service,  and 


JOURNAL.  323 

told  me,  saying  that  he  had  thought  no  harm,  and  had  he 
known  that  his  wife  had  gone  home,  he  should  have  gone  home 
also  :  he  was  now  afraid  that  he  had  received  the  Lord's  Sup- 
per unworthily.  I  sent  for  the  woman  and  reproved  her,  but 
found  that  it  was  really  a  tender  conscience  which  had  kept 
her  away :  both  were  sorry,  and  really  grieved  on  account  of 
what  had  happened.     They  went  home  in  peace. 

'  Spoke  in  the  morning  on  John  xiii.  1.  Afternoon  the  peo- 
ple had  prayer-meeting;  myself  being  too  much  fatigued  to  go 
to  church. 

'  Last  Tuesday  afternoon  I  proceeded  from  hence  to  Tongeh. 
Had  to  cut  our  way  through  a  thick  bush.  Six  men  cut  the 
bush,  which  was  fortunately  dry,  and  we  got  with  a  little 
patience  and  perseverance  to  the  water-side,  and  from  tlience, 
about  six  o'clock,  to  Tongeh,  where  I  stayed  all  night,  and  was 
hospitably  received  by  the  headman.  After  having  refreshed 
our  bodies  with  food,  we  had  family  prayer,  &c.,  with  the  chief, 
and  went  to  rest.  During  the  night,  Mi-.  Johnstone's  boat 
arrived,  in  which  I  went  to  York,  sending  the  people  back  to 
Regent's  Town. 

'  About  1  p.  M.  arrived  at  York,  after  being  twelve  hours  in 
the  boat,  the  wind  being  against  us. 

'  It  appears  that  some  of  the  Ranters  at  Freetown  have 
endeavoured  to  prejudice  the  minds  of  these  simple  people 
against  nie  or  the  Church  of  England,  which  has  created  a 
division.  1  thought  I  had  better  be  cautious  before  I  proceed- 
ed. Li  the  evening,  at  the  meeting,  I  found  that  a  Mr.  Wise 
of  Freetown  had  o.aused  the  division  which  has  occurred  among 
the  Wesleyans,  and  has  proposed  himself  as  their  spiritual 
guide. 

'  I  took  care  not  to  say  anything  against  Mr.  Wise  nor  his 
folloAvers,  but  left  it  entirely  to  themselves,  whether  they  would 
choose  him  for  their  teacher,  or  whether  they  would  accept  me 
or  any  other  teacher  sent  by  the  Church.  This  caused  a  dis- 
pute, and  the  greater  number  appeared  on  my  side,  I  left 
them,  having  prayed  with  them. 


324  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

'The  next  morning,  the  three  leaders  came  to  me  with  the 
following  decision  :  that  they  would  go  to  the  Governor  and 
ask  him  whom  they  should  have,  and  if  he  fixed  on  me,  they 
•would  come  to  Regent's  Town  and  beg  me  to  come  and  admin- 
ister the  '  Love-feast '  to  them.  I  told  them  the  real  love-feast 
was  the  Lord's  Supper,  which  I  would  have  no  objection  to 
administer.  They  showed  me  a  list  of  sixty  five  persons  who 
had  formed  themselves  since  my  last  visit  into  a  society  under 
the  direction  of  Mr.  ^Yise,  who  having  heard  of  their  endea- 
vours to  serve  God,  had  taken  every  opportunity  to  steal 
the  hearts  of  the  people,  by  privately  sending  persons  to  them. 
I  was  much  pleased  with  their  decision,  as  I  could  hardly  sup- 
pose that  the  Governor  would  allow  such  a  man  as  Mr.  Wise 
(who  is  not  ordained  or  acknowledged  by  the  Society)  to  be- 
come teacher  of  these  people.  All  this,  however,  would  not 
have  taken  place,  liad  we  a  sujfficient  number  of  missionaries  or 
schoolmasters  to  supply  all  places  in  the  colony. 

'  I  arrived  on  Friday  evening  in  Freetown,  and  should  have 
waited  immediately  on  his  Excellency,  but  found  he  was  not 
at  home.  Saw  him  however  yesterday,  Avhen  I  went  to  Glou- 
cester to  preach  there.  He  appeared  much  pleased  with  what 
I  told  him  of  the  people  at  York.  He  was  glad  I  had  been 
there  in  time :  he  approved  of  my  proceedings,  and  said  th^t 
he  would  do  what  lay  in  his  power  to  prevent  Mr.  AVise;  but, 
he  justly  observed,  that  all  these  things  would  not  tak<?  place, 
if  the  Society  would  send  a  sufficient  number  of  ten<rhers. 

'  The  Lord  was  pleased  in  a  special  manner  to  manifest  him- 
self to  us  yesterday.  I  don't  know  when  I  bive  been  so  com- 
fortable, and  experienced  so  much  freedom  in  the  pulpit.  In 
the  morning  I  spoke  on  Tsalm  xxxiii.  1.  Finished  only  the 
first  part  of  my  text.  Spoke  on  the  rest  in  the  evening  with 
much  joy.  In  the  afternoon  I  went  to  Gloucester.  Spoke  on 
John  xiii.  1,  and  administered  the  Lord's  Supper  to  forty-eight 
communicants  ;  found  it  good  to  be  there.  Oh,  may  God  the 
Holy  Ghost  bless  the  word  to  those  who  heard  it,  as  much  as 


JOURNAL.  825 

He  has  been  pleased  to  bless  it  to  him  who  has  been  the  un- 
worthy  instrument  qf  speaking  it. 

'Auff.  13.  Had  the  monthly  prayer-meeting  to-day  at  Leo- 
pold. Messrs.  Flood,  Davy,  Taylor,  Norman,  and  Mrs.  Taylor, 
and  Mrs.  Norman,  myself,  and  W.  Davis  were  present.  The 
rest  were   absent  through  sickness. 

'  Had  some  sweet  conversation  last  night  with  some  of  my 
people,  and  had  a  better  feast  in  it  than  they  who  were  dining 
at  Freetown  with  the  Governor,  in  honour  of  the  King's  birth- 
day. I  feel  thankful  that  we  are  not  invited  to  any  of  those 
festivals  now,  and  that  we  resisted  at  the  beginning. 

^Auff.  19.  The  weather  yesterday  was  very  unfavourable,  but 
we  were  enabled  notwithstanding  to  go  through  the  regular 
services.  In  the  afternoon  we  buried  one  of  our  communi- 
cants, who  died  on  Saturday.  His  fears  were  many,  but  at 
length  unbelief  gave  way,  and  he  rejoiced  in  the  Lord  his  Sa- 
viour and  expired.  It  is  singular  that  most  of  the  communi- 
cants who  have  hitherto  died,  have  been  buried  on  a  Sunday. 
After  the  funeral,  I  proceeded  to  Charlotte  Town  ;  spoke  on 
Psalm  xxxi.  1,  and  administered  the  sacrament  to  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Tayloi",  and  Mr.  Davy.  When  I  returned  to  Regent's  Town,  I 
was  agreeably  surprised  with  a  letter  from  Messrs.  Pratt  and 
Bickersteth.     In  the  evening  I  spoke  on  Rom.  vi.  1-3. 

'  Told  the  people  this  morning  at  family  prayer,  that  more 
missionaries  were  about  to  come,  which  raised  a  smile  of  joy  on 
all  their  countenances.  One  school-girl  heard  last  night  that 
Mrs.  Lisk  was  dead  ;  she  wept  and  said,  "  Nobody  now  will 
come  and  teach  our  poor  country-people;" — meaning  that  it 
would  alarm  others,  and  prevent  them  joining  our  work. 

'  Went  last  Thursday  to  Kisseyto  see  Mr.  Nylander,  who  has 
lost  his  youngest  child,  and  is  himself  very  weak  and  infirm. 
He  is  much  reduced.  I  am  surprised  how  he  gets  through  his 
work ;  he  appears  completely  worn  out.  May  our  gracious 
God  be  with  him,  and  grant  him  strength  according  to  his 
day. 

^Au^.- 23.    One  of  my  people  said,  "The  Lord  Jesus  is  my 
14 


326  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

breakfast  and  my  supper,  my  morning  and  my  night.  I  can 
put  no  trust  in  any  thing  beside,  for  all  I  see  is  sinful — in  my 
heart,  nothing  but  sin  ;  in  the  world,  nothing  but  sin — but  the 
Lord  Jesus,  he  took  all  sin,  and  die  for  it,  and  he  only  good 
and  only  able  to  save — that  make  him  my  everything." 

'A  woman  wept  much  because  no  news  of  the  arrival  of 
Mrs.  Johnson  had  come  with  the  last  vessel.  She  had  been  a 
servant  of  ours,  and  lived  five  years  with  us.  She  had  found 
the  pearl  of  great  price  when  in  our  family,  and  therefore  is 
much  attached  to  us.  She  is  now  married  to  a  pious  carpenter, 
with  whom  she  lives  very  happily. 

'  Went  next  to  the  Hospital  to  see  my  children.  Flora 
Wyndham  has  unfortunately  lost  both  her  eyes  by  the  opthal- 
mia.  Poor  girl !  she  is  about  fourteen  years  old,  and  is  thus 
early  deprived  of  the  greatest  temporal  blessing.  The  people 
in  the  Hospital  spoke  with  wonder  of  her  extraordinary  pa- 
tience and  resignation.  The  doctor  said  he  should  do  his  ut- 
most to  recover  one  eye,  but  he  feared  it  would  be  impractica- 
ble. May  the  Saviour  support  her  under  the  severe  affliction. 
Her  benefactor  will  be  grieved  to  hear  of  this  her  sad  misfor- 
tune. 

'  A  man,  a  candidate  for  baptism,  came  to  me  and  said,  with 
apparent  grief,  "  My  dear  master,  I  come  to  tell  you  my  trou- 
ble. Sunday  before  last,  when  you  went  to  Gloucester  town 
to  preach,  I  was  walking,  and  breaking  the  Sabbath-day :  and 
since  that,  I  had  no  rest  day  and  night,  I  can't  sleep,  and  it  is 
no  use  to  hide  it  from  you.  My  countryman  came  to  my 
house  and  said,  '  Come,  let  us  go  walking,'  I  said,  'No  :  I  have 
done  bad  long  time,  I  now  Avant  to  serve  God :  my  country- 
man, no  do  so  any  longer ;  you  see  me  hear  the  word  of  God, 
and  by  and  by  we  must  account  for  what  we  hear.'  Then  another 
of  my  countrymen  came,  and  he  talk  and  talk,  till,  at  last  I 
went  with  them  ;  but,  the  same  time,  my  heart  trouble  me 
very  much.  When  we  walk  in  the  road,  we  see  you  coming ; 
and  we  all  run  into  the  bush,  and  hide  ourselves  till  you  pass 
by ;  when  I  hide  myself,  my  heart  strike  me,  that  I  hide  my- 


JOURNAL.  827 

self  from  a  man,  and  all  the  time  God  see  me  behind  the  bush. 
I  thought  the  ground  would  open  and  swallow  me  up ;  I  get 
so  'fraid  that  at  last  I  tremble.  It  was  just  as  if  God  look  upon 
me  behind  the  bush.  I  at  last  fell  upon  my  knees,  and  jirayed 
that  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  would  have  mercy  upon  me.  I  got 
up — you  had  passed,  I  say  '  Good  by '  to  my  country-people, 
and  went  home ;  but  since,  I  had  no  rest :  and  now  I  come 
and  tell  you  that  you  may  know  what  bad  I  do.  I  feel  no 
peace,  I  am  'fraid  God  will  not  receive  me  now.''  I  told  him  to 
leave  his  former  companions,  or  he  would  always  be  exposed 
to  temptations  like  these.  He  faithfully  promised  not  to  med- 
dle with  tbem  any  more.  I  could  not  help  pitying  him,  poor 
man ;  and  so  I  do.  every  young  Christian,  when  I  consider  the 
various  snares  to  which  they  are  exposed.  Nothing  but  grace 
will  keep  them  from  felling. 

'■Sept.  3.  Many  have  been  my  engagements,  and  doubts 
and  fears  in  them  have  also  been  many  ;  but  thanks  be  to  God 
for  his  mercy  to  me.  It  is  an  unspeakable  mercy  that  he  has 
been  pleased  to  give  me  something  to  do  ;  and,  above  all,  that 
he  blesses  my  feeble  endeavours  with  abundant  success.  Oh 
why  me !  What  am  I,  that  the  Lord  should  be  mindful  of 
me  ?  All  is  grace ;  yea,  sovereign  grace  which  continues  to  be 
poured  upon  me.  Language  cannot  express  what  I  feel,  when 
on  the  one  hand,  I  behold  my  exceeding  sinfulness,  and  on  the 
other,  the  boundless  mercies  which  I  enjoy.  Another  rainy 
season  is  nearly  passed,  without  a  fever,  yea,  without  a  head- 
ache. I  have  been  able  to  go  through  my  various  engage- 
ments without  the  least  inconvenience;  while  others  no  sooner 
recover  from  illness  but  they  are  down  again  ;  besides  this,  suc- 
cess in  the  great  work  in  which  I  am  engaged  attends  me  on 
every  side.  Ob  lord  !  what  shall  I  render  unto  thee  for  all 
thy  benefits  towards  me  ?  Give  me  a  heart  filled  with  grati- 
tude, and  keep  me  humble,  for  thou  who  searchest  the  heart, 
knowest  that  I  am  very  proud  and  ungrateful. 

'  Last  Sunday  it  rained  very  much,  so  that  all  the  people  got 
wet ;  notwithstanding,  as  the  churchwardens  said,  "the  church 


328  MEMOIR    OF   JOHXSON. 

■was  full  too  raiicli."  The  new  addition  and  galleries  were  all 
well  filled.  Mr.  Norman  read  the  prayers,  and  I  spoke  on  Isa. 
i.  18.  After  the  sermon,  I  baptized  29  adults,  and  8  infants, 
and  administered  the  Lord's  Supper  to  365  communicants,  my- 
self included.  What  I  felt  is  only  known  to  God.  May  he 
receive  all  the  glory  ! 

'  Prayer-meeting  was  held  in  the  afternoon  under  the  direc- 
tion of  Mr:  Norman,  myself  being  too  much  fatigued.  As  it 
rained  so  much  in  the  evening,  and  the  people  had  got  wet 
twice,  we  had  not  so  many  at  divine  service.  I  confined  ray- 
self  to  addressing  the  children  from  1  John  ii.  18.  The  boys 
concluded  the  Sabbath  with  the  usual  prayer-meeting. 

'  Among  the  adults  were  four  young  persons  who  bear  the 
names  of  benefactors,  who  no  doubt  will  be  pleased  when  I  assure 
them  that  the  young  people,  as  far  as  I  can  judge,  are  partakers 
of  divine  grace.  Their  names  are  as  follows  : — Edward  Bick- 
ersteth,  Henry  Christian,  Maria  Marsh,  and  Mary  Wawn. 

'  While  stating  the  above,  another  circumstance  occurs  to 
iny  mind  which  it  may  be  pleasing  to  those  whom  it  may  con- 
cern. 

'  One  of  our  school  girls,  Mary  Whitaker,  quarrelled  with 
another  girl :  and  was  brought  to  me,  on  account  of  some  bad 
language  which  she  had  used.  I  have  a  custom  (which  has 
always  done  more  good  than  all  the  whips  put  together,)  to  put 
oftenders  of  that  description  into  a  corner  of  my  room,  and  to 
reason  with  them  as  I  walk  in  and  out.  This  I  did  with  the 
present  offender,  I  told  her  of  her  bad  conduct,  and  what  the 
consequence  would  be  if  she.  continued  in  it.  I  then  got  a 
tract,  which  was  sent  to  me  by  Mr.  Williams,  entitled  "Blind 
Betsy,"  founded  on  a  fact  related  in  the  Missionary  Register ; 
and  desired  her  to  read  it,  and  to  tell  me  afterwards  the  con- 
tents. Having  read  for  some  time,  she  at  once  burst  into  a 
flood  of  tears.  As  I  had  some  friends  with  me  at  the  time,  I 
could  not  attend  to  her :  when  tbey  were  .gone,  she  began  to 
weep  aloud.  I  asked  what  was  the  matter  ;  she  replied,  "  One 
word  I  read  in  that  book  which  hurt  me  very  much  :  I  see  that 


JOURNAL.  329 

that  poor  girl  was  blind,  and  she  say,  'The  Lord  hath  done 
great  things  for  me,'  now  God  has  done  great  things  for  me, 
and  I  can  see ;  and  still  I  am  so  wicked."  She  was  so  over- 
come, that  I  could  hardly  understand  what  she  said.  She 
begged  very  hard  that  I  would  forgive  her,  and  said  she  would 
never  do  so  again  :  this  however,  would  not  satisfy  me,  under 
such  circumstances  ;  I  told  her,  that  unless  she  really  repented 
and  fled  to  Christ  for  forgiveness  of  sin,  she  would  be  in  as  bad 
a  state  as  before :  she  thanked  me,  with  many  tears  ;  and 
begged  that  I  would  pray  for  her.  I  gave  her  the  tract,  and 
dismissed  her  :  two  or  three  weeks  after  this,  I  observed  that 
she  became  thoughtless  again,  and  I  feared  that  her  convictions 
were  but  temporary.  While  in  this  careless  state,  she  was 
suddenly  affected  with  ophthalmia,  so  violently  that  her  eyes 
were  completely  closed  in  two  days,  and  we  were  obliged  to 
have  her  led  by  another  girl  to  the  hospital.  Blind  Betsy's 
story  now  came  to  her  mind  again,  and  she  appeared  entirely 
comfortless,  weeping  continually,  which  increased  the  inflam- 
mation of  her  eyes.  A  few  days  afterward,  however,  she  ap- 
peared more  composed  ;  the  burden  seemed  to  give  way  :  the 
Lord  was  pleased  to  manifest  His  mercy  to  her ;  and,  as  peace 
was  granted  to  her,  her  eyes  also  were  restored.  AVhen  she 
returned  from  the  hospital,  she  came  and  told  me,  in  an  affect- 
ing manner,  what  the  Lord  had  done  for  her  soul ;  she  has 
since  walked  in  His  fear ;  and  it  is  observed  by  all  who  know 
her,  that  she  is  become  a  new  creature  :  she  is  now  a  candidate 
for  baptism,  to  which  ordinance  she  will  be  admitted,  if  it  please 
God,  when  the  next  baptisms  take  place.  This  will  be  pleasing 
to  Mr.  WilHams,  who  sent  the  tract,  and  also  to  her  benefac- 
tors. 

'The  evening  schools  were  so  full  last  night,  that  we  did  not 
know  where  to  find  room.  The  lower  rooms  of  both  schools 
were  crowded  :  each  room  is  73  feet  by  24.  I  consulted  Da- 
vid Noah,  and  we  put  the  female  scholars,  which  are  but  few, 
into  the  girls'  upper  school-room,  and  thus  got  the  above-men- 
tioned two  rooms  for  the  men,  who  filled  them  completely. 


330  MEMOIR    OF   JOHNSON. 

^Sep.  9.  The  weather  was  very  severe  yesterday  ;  the  peo- 
ple all  got  wet  in  coming  to  church,  on  account  of  which  I 
omitted  the  Liturgy.  Spoke  on  Psalm  xxxviii.  6.  The  church 
was  tolerably  full,  and  the  people  very  attentive.  In  the  after- 
noon, I  Avent  to  Gloucester  Town,  spoke  on  Rom.  vii.  14;  ad- 
mitted fourteen  adults  to  the  Lord's  Supper,  eleven  of  whom  I 
baptized,  and  administered  the  Lord's  Supper  to  fifty-nine. 
The  ordinance  of  baptism  was  very  aflecting,  many  tears  were 
shed  by  the  baptised.  I  feel  grateful  that  our  Lord  is  pleased 
to  carry  on  his  work  at  that  place,  during  the  absence  of  bro- 
ther During. 

'  The  water  came  down  in  the  evening  in  torrents,  which 
prevented  the  people  from  coming  to  church.  I  was  so  fortu- 
nate as  to  get  to  Gloucester  Town  and  back  without  a  wet- 
ting. Spoke  in  the  evening  at  Regent's  Town  on  Rom. 
viii.  1. 

'  This  evening,  a  man  who  has  hitherto  led  a  wicked  life, 
came  to  me  much  alarmed  :  he  said,  "  On  Sunday  you  preach- 
ed about  them  Avords,  '  Come  now  and  let  us  reason  together.' 
You  spoke  about  a  woman  who  had  a  bad  husband,  and-  who 
treated  his  wife  very  bad  ;  but  the  woman  was  a  Christian  ; 
she  treated  her  husband  very  kind,  and  tried  to  make  him  as 
comfortable  as  possible :  another  man  observed  this,  and  asked 
the  woman,  how  she  could  treat  her  husband  so  kind,  who  did 
all  he  could  to  make  her  miserable  ;  she  answered,  that  she 
endeavoured  to  do  so,  as  in  this  life  only  her  poor  husband 
would  have  to  enjoy  comforts :  being  an  unconverted  person 
she  pitied  him,  when  she  considered  what. his  awful  condition 
would  be  in  the  world  to  come.  Now  I  stand  just  the  same  ; 
my  wife  I  believe  serves  God  for  true,  and  many  times  I  trou- 
ble her  for  nothing,  but  she  bears  all,  and  I  think  I  see  her 
now  looking  at  me  with  tears  in  her  eyes  and  sighing.  I  al- 
ways thought  that  that  was  notliing  but  fancy  ;  but  since  you 
told  us  about  that  man  and  his  wife,  I  have  no  rest :  I  am 
afraid  I  shall  be  miserable  in  the  world  to  come.  You  said,  the 
same  time,  that  if  a  man  was  to  fall  overboard  into  the  sea,  and 


QUARTER   SESSIONS.  331 

a  rope  was  thrown  to  him,  and  he  refused  to  lay  hold  of  it,  if 
he  was  drowned  it  was  his  own  foult.  I  have  heard  now  six 
years  the  word  of  God,  and  about  the  salvation  of  sinners  by 
the  Lord  Jesus ;  but  have  refused  to  lay  hold  of  the  rope  :  I 
am  so  afraid  that  it  is  now  too  late :  but  I  am  a  little  encou- 
raged, because  God  says  still,  "  Come  now,  and  let  us  reason 
together." 

^Sep.  12.  Went  to  Gloucester  on  Tuesday  morning,  where  I 
found  a  numberof  people  who  wanted  to  speak  to  me  about  their 
hearts.  Being  on  my  way  to  Freetown,  to  attend  the  monthly 
prayer-meeting  at  ten  o'clock,  I  had  no  time  to  stay,  and  there- 
fore told  Tamba  to  order  them  all  to  be  at  the  house  at  four 
o'clock  on  Wednesday  afternoon.  There  appears  a  great  stir 
at  Gloucester  :  those  who,  during  Mr.  During's  stay  there,  had 
backslidden,  now  appear  very  anxious  to  be  re-admitted  ;  also 
about  twenty  are  desirous  of  being  admitted  again  as  candi- 
dates for  baptism.  When  I  returned  yesterday  from  Freetown, 
it  rained  very  much,  and  I  was  obliged  to  be  at  Gloucester  at 
nine  o'clock  this  morning,  but  the  rain  descending  very  fast,  it 
was  impossible  for  me  to  fulfil  my  word  and  wishes. 

'  The  following  persons  were  present  at  the  prayer-meeting  at 
Mr.  Flood's  :  Mr.  Nylander,  Mr.  Taylor,  Mr.  Davy,  Mr.  Norman, 
Mr.  Huddlestone,  Mrs.  Huddlestone,  Mrs.  Wenzel,  Tamba,  and 
myself. 

'  On  Tuesday  evening  I  went  in  company  with  Messrs.  Ny- 
lander, Davy,  and  Taylor,  to  Kissey,  and  returned  to  Freetown, 
where  we  had  to  attend  the  Quarter  Sessions.  His  Honour, 
the  Chief  Justice,  observed,  when  addressing  the  inquest,  that 
ten  years  ago,  when  the  population  of  the  colony  was  only 
4000,  there  were  forty  cases  on  the  calendar  for  trial,  and  now 
the  population  was  16,000,  there  were  only  six  cases  on  the 
calendar ;  and  he  congratulated  the  magistrates  and  grand 
jury  on  the  moral  improvement  of  the  colony.  It  was  remark- 
able that  there  was  not  a  single  case  from  any  of  the  villages 
under  the  superintendence  of  a  missionary  or  schoolmaster. 
When  his  Honour  found  that  this  was  the  case,  he  dismissed 


332  MEMOIR    OF   JOHNSON. 

US  and  our  constables  in  a  polite  manner,  as  having  no  busi- 
ness to  attend  to  at  the  Sessions ;  and  we  departed  well 
pleased. 

^Sep.  13.  It  being  somewhat  fair  this  morning,  I  went  to 
Gloucester,  to  examine  the  baptism-candidates.  Received  two 
backsliders  and  thirty  candidates  for  baptism.  The  commu- 
nicants and  candidates  at  Gloucester  now  amount  to  ninety- 
two. 

^Sep.  16.  Yesterday  we  had  another  wet  Sunday  ;  such  of 
the  people  as  had  umbrellas  were  well  off,  but  such  as  are  poor 
and  cannot  afford  to  buy  that  article,  came  dripping  into 
church.  I  could  not  but  feel  anxious  for  such  as  had  infants 
in  their  arms,  cold  and  wet.  Did  not  read  the  Liturgy ; — 
spoke  on  Isa.  xliii.  21.  The  rain  continued  to  come  down  all 
day,  and  I  was  prevented  from  going  to  Leopold  to  administer 
the  Lord's  Supper.  Explained  to  a  considerable  number  of 
people  1  Pet.  i.  5,  and  in  the  evening  on  1  Pet.  i.  6,  7. 

'  This  evening  I  examined  some  candidates  for  baptism  ; 
received  seven  :  more  will  be  examined  to-morrow  evening,  as 
time  would  not  permit  me  to  see  them  all,  being  obliged  to  go 
to  the  evening  school.  It  was  so  crowded  that  it  was  with 
great  difficulty  we  could  find  sufiicient  room. 

Oct.  11,  1822.  My  grief  is  great — one  affliction  succeeds 
another — "Man  is  born  to  trouble  as  the  sparks  fly  upwards!" 
On  the  24th  ult.,  a  vessel  arrived  which  brought  the  news  that 
the  "  Fletcher,"  in  which  Mrs.  Johnson  sailed,  had  arrived  on 
the  18th  July  at  Liverpool,  and  a  report  was  spread  that  Mrs. 
Johnson  had  died  on  board  tho  said  vessel.  Another  vessel, 
the  "  George,"  which  sailed  the  20th  of  August  from  England, 
has  arrived  since,  and  brought  letters  from  all  the  passengers 
of  the  "  Fletcher,"  but  none  from  Mr.  During,  who,  if  safely 
arrived,  has  had  a  month's  time  to  write.  It  appears  strange 
that  he  should  neglect  this,  and  keep  us  in  suspense.  The  other 
passengers,  who  have  written,  are  entirely  silent  on  the  voyage 
and  passengers  :  so  that  we  do  not  know  whether  it  is  true  about 
Mrs.  J.  or  not ;  nor  can  I  discover  from  whence  the  report  came 


JOURNAL.  333 

that  she  died  at  sea.  Another  vessel  arrived  yesterday,  which 
brought  us  a  letter  from  Hanover,  in  which  we  received  the 
painful  intelligence  that  our  dear  mother  departed  this  life  on 
the  1st  of  July.  This  has  added  to  our  afflictions;  oh!  may 
the  Lord  support  us. 

"  Midst  changing  scenes  and  dying  frieuds, 
Be  Thou  my  all  in  all." 

*  I  cannot  write  what  I  feel.     The  Lord  reigneth. 

'  Oct.  23,  His  Excellency  Sir  0.  MacCarthy  attended  divine 
service  last  Sunday,  accompanied  by  Captain  Wolridge,  Lieu- 
tenant King,  R.  N.,  Dr.  Nicol,  &c.  The  church  was  more  than 
full, — many  were  obliged  to  stay  out  of  doors.  I  told  Sir 
Charles  that  the  church  was  too  small.  He  said,  "We  shall 
never  have  done  with  this  church !  better  make  a  double  gal- 
lery." I  spoke  on  Matt.  xi.  28,  "  Come  unto  me,  all  ye  that 
labour  and  are  heavy-laden,  and  I  will  give  you  rest."  In  the 
afternoon  went  to  Charlotte  Town  :  spoke  on,  "  My  grace  is 
sufficient  for  thee,"  and  administered  the  Lord's  Supper.  In 
the  evening  spoke  to  a  large  congregation  at  Regent's  Town 
on  Isa.  Ixiii.  19. 

'  On  Monday  I  married  several  couples.  Among  others,  John 
Johnson  to  Rachel  Garnon,  and  William  Bickersteth  to  Sariih 
Allen.  Eighteen  girls,  all  communicants,  attended  their  sisters 
to  church,  and  the  students  of  the  seminary,  their  brethren. 
Rachel  Garnon  was  supported  and  given  away  by  W.  Tamba, 
and  S.  Allen  by  Thomas  Richard,  my  churchwarden.  I  gave 
them  a  sheep  and  a  hog,  of  which  they  prepared  a  good  din- 
ner, having  themselves  added  fowls.  Mr.  Norman  and  I  at- 
tended to  keep  order.  I  sat  with  the  girls  at  one  end,  and  he 
with  the  boys  at  the  other  end  of  the  table.  Tamba,  Noah, 
&c.  sat  with  their  wives  in  the  middle. 

'  After  dinner,  the  afternoon  was  spent  in  a  Christian  man- 
ner. We  sung  hymns  ;  and,  at  intervals,  I  called  upon  some 
of  the  students  to  speak ;  some  spoke  well,  and  quite  surprised 

14* 


334  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

me.     This  gave  rise  to  a  new  plan  which  I  formed  ;  and  which 
I  hope,  by  the  help  and  blessing  of  God,  will  prove  beneficial. 

'  On  the  first  Monday  in  every  month,  at  ten  o'clock  in  the 
morning,  a  prayer-meeting  will  be  held  at  the  Seminary,  when 
all  the  students  and  native  teachers  with  their  wives,  will  at- 
tend ;  one  of  the  native  teachers  or  students  will  speak,  by 
turns,  on  a  passage  of  Scripture.  I  appointed  David  Noah  to 
begin  at  the  first  meeting,  and  gave  him  Isa.  xlii.  16,  as  his 
subject.  I  shall  always  be  present ;  and  shall  call  upon  such 
as  I  think  proper  to  pray,  and  appoint  a  speaker  for  the  next 
meeting,  and  give  liira  a  text.  This  will,  I  hope,  improve  them 
in  speaking  publicly. 

'  Blessed  be  God  that  we  have  advanced  so  far.  Ethiopia 
shall  soon  stretch  out  her  hands  unto  God.  The  speeches  con- 
tinued until  the  bell  rang  for  evening  service,  after  which  all 
attended  evening  school  as  usual,  and  then  retired  to  rest. 

'  To-day  a  man  from  Freetown  came  and  asked  if  I  would 
be  so  good  as  teach  him  the  way  of  truth.  He  said  further, 
that  he  was  an  exhorter  in  Lady  Huntingdon's  chapel  in  Free- 
town, and  the  people  were  anxious  he  should  teach  them,  but 
wished  to  know  if  I  would  be  so  good  as  to  give  him  instruc- 
tion ;  he  should  also  like,  if  I  had  no  objection,  to  attend  our 
church  on  Sunday  mornings.  I  told  him  the  church  was  open 
for  everybody,  and  we  instructed  all  who  came,  whether  Church- 
men or  Dissenters. 

'  W.  Johnson.' 

Rev.  W.  Johnson  to  the  Secretaries. 

'Freetown,  Nov.  14,  1822. 
*  Rev.  and  dear  Sirs, 
'  Having  come  down  to  this  place  to  see  Mr.  Decker  off  by 
"  The  Bedford,"  I  have  a  few  moments  to  spare  to  acquaint 
you  with  our  proceedings.  Since  my  last,  in  company  with 
Sir  Charles,  I  have  visited  York,  Kent,  and  the  Bananas.  At 
York,  I  intend  to  form  a  Church,  as  the  people  have  wonder- 


BAPTISM.  335 

fully  improved,  and  many,  I  have  reason  to  believe,  are  truly 
converted.  Several  have  attended  the  Lord's  Supper  at  Re- 
gent's Town,  at  the  last  administration,  and  I  have  promised  to 
administer  it  next  Sunday  week  at  York.  I  baptized  thirty- 
three  adults  and  children  when  I  was  there  last,  and  I  expect 
to  admit  about  forty  to  the  Lord's  Supper.  I  hope  when  our 
friends  arrive,  that  we  shall  be  able  to  furnish  York  with  a 
schoolmaster  at  least.  We  have  begun  a  road,  and  hope  to  be 
soon  able  to  make  the  tour  to  York  and  Kent  on  horseback. 

'  At  Regent's  Town,  we  proceed  as  usual ;  but  death  has 
visited  us,  and  carried  alarm  among  the  communicants,  five  of 
whom  were  buried  in  one  week,  but  all,  blessed  be  God,  departed 
in  peace.  One  poor  man  was  last  year  a  candidate  for  bap- 
tism, but  unfortunately  quarrelled  with  his  wife,  for  which  he 
was  excluded,  and  consequently  was  not  baptized.  When  he 
was  taken  ill,  I  happened  to  be  absent  at  York,  and  his  only 
prayer  was,  that  God  might  spare  him  until  my  return.  When 
I  had  arrived,  he  sent  for  me  and  told  me  his  grief  and  sorrow 
for  sin,  and  expressed  a  great  desire  to  be  baptized.  I  asked 
him  several  questions,  which  he  answered  to  my  satisfaction, 
and  I  hesitated  not  to  baptize  him  in  the  name  of  the  Father, 
Son,  and  Holy  Ghost,  prayed  with  him,  and  he  repeated  dis- 
tinctly "  The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,"  &c.,  and  instant- 
ly expired  without  a  struggle.  I  spoke  on  the  death  of  our 
brethren  the  Sunday  after.  The  church  was  crowded  on  the 
occasion. 

'At  Gloucester,  the  people  are  still  enquiring  what  they 
must  do  to  be  saved.  I  intend  to  baptize  at  that  place,  and  at 
Regent's  Town,  the  candidates  on  the  first  Sunday  in  the  next 
month,  and  then  receive  others  for  instruction.  Oh  may  our 
gracious  God  be  praised  for  his  marvellous  work  which  he 
carries  on  amongst  us. 

'  I  have  heard  no  further  particulars  respecting  Mrs.  Johnson ; 
it  is  still  reported  that  she  died  on  her  passage  home.  The 
"  Hope"  has  arrived  from  London  last  week,  which  sailed  the 
latter  end  of  September,  and  how  am  I  surprised  that  Mr. 


336  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

During,  if  any  thing  has  happened  to  Mrs.  Johnson,  does  not 
write  to  me  !  At  all  events,  he  should  have  kept  his  promise, 
and  have  written  as  soon  as  he  arrived  in  England.  I  am 
much  cast  down  and  afflicted,  and  almost  out  of  patience. 

'  This  morning  a  vessel  was  off  the  Cape.  I  immediately 
went  in  Mr.  Reffell's  boat,  but  alas,  it  proved  to  be  an  American. 
The  "  Lively"  is  hourly  expected,  and  I  should  suppose  that  by 
her  I  shall  receive  letters. 

'Sometime  since,  I  went  to  Government  House,  and  His 
Excellency  invited  me  to  dinner ;  being  Saturday,  I  begged  to 
be  excused,  but  he  said  that  the  dinner  should  be  got  early,  in 
order  that  I  might  be  at  Regent's  Town  by  four  o'clock. 
"When  I  went  to  dinner,  His  Excellency  said  that  he  should  be 
glad  if  I  would  then  i)aptize  his  child,  sponsors  and  everything 
being  ready.  I  begged  to  be  excused,  and  wished  that  he  had 
asked  Mr.  Flood ;  but  Sir  Charles  replied  that  he  wished  me 
to  perform  the  ceremony.  Being  taken  so  suddenly,  and  afraid 
that  I  should,  by  refusing,  hinder  the  progress  of  religion  in 
the  colony,  I  performed  the  ceremony,  and  I  believe  that  any 
one  else  in  my  situation  would  have  done  the  same.  I  know 
that  water-baptism  will  in  itself  avail  nothing  to  salvation;  but 
Paul,  who  was  "  everything  to  all  men,"  circumcised  Timothy 
for  fear  of  the  Jews. 

*  W.  B.  Johnson.' 


'  Regent's  Town,  Novem'ber  22,  1822. 

'  Rev.  and  dear  Sirs, 

'The  captain  of  the  "  Bedford,"  who  takes  all  our  despatches, 
was  taken  ill  the  day  previous  to  his  sailing,  and  has  been 
detained  until  now. 

'  Another  vessel  arrived  yesterday,  which  brought  letters  for 
some  of  our  friends,  but  none  for  me.  I  have,  however,  been 
comforted  by  the  arrival  of  a  letter  from  the  captain  of  the 
"  Fletcher"  to  a  gentleman  in  Freetown,  in  which  he  says  he 
landed  all  his  passengers   "safe  and   sound"  at  Liverpool. 


PROPOSES    TO    VISIT    ENGLAND.  337 

Thus  the  report  respecting  Mrs.  J.'s  death  is  false.  So  many 
vessels  arriving,  why  I  have  received  no  letters  I  cannot 
imagine  ;  yet  I  believe  now  that  my  dear  wife  is  still  alive,  and 
I  need  not  say  I  feel  very  anxious  to  see  her  once  more. 
Would  you,  therefore,  be  so  kind  as  to  solicit  the  Committee 
in  my  behalf,  to  give  me  leave  to  return  next  April  or  May  to 
England?  I  should  also  feel  more  comfortable,  if  the  affairs 
respecting  my  relations  in  Hamburgh  were  settled.  I  have  a 
brother,  sixteen  years  of  age,  unprovided  for,  and  unless  I 
endeavour  to  do  something  for  him,  he  will  be  exposed  to  the 
world  without  a  guide  or  a  friend. 

'  I  should  like  to  be  back  again  in  September  or  October,  as 
I  cannot  be  absent  any  part  of  the  dry  season.  Mr.  Norman, 
who  seems  to  get  better  now  of  his  frequent  attacks  of  fever, 
and  is  more  attached  to  the  people  and  the  people  to  him, 
would,  I  think,  be  competent  to  take  charge  during  my 
absence,  and  Mr.  During  might  administer  the  ordinances  and 
occasionally  preach,  as  I  have  done  at  Gloucester,  and  thus  I 
might  leave  for  a  few  months  with  safety. 

'  My  present  labours  are  so  numerous  that  I  think  it  would 
do  me  a  great  deal  of  good  ;  it  would  especially  refresh  my 
spirits,  which  are  very  low  ;  yet  I  am  so  wonderfully  supported 
that  at  times  I  am  lost  in  admiration  how  I  get  through  all  so 
well.  Sometimes  I  have  preached  so  frequently,  that  I  think 
myself  entirely  exhausted ;  yet  when  I  mount  the  pulpit  again, 
everything  appears  new  and  marvellous,  and  my  strength  as 
fresh  as  if  it  had  never  been  spent. 

'  David  Noah  begs  very  hard  to  be  permitted  to  accompany 
me,  and  I  think  that  it  would  be  of  great  benefit  to  him,  and 
the  Society  would  not^  I  think,  lose  by  it.  He  would,  of 
course,  go  as  a  servant,  and  thus  cause  little  expense,  and  per- 
haps prove  a  stimulus  to  new  exertions.  He  might  also 
improve  much  by  going  through  the  central  school.  John 
Johnson  is  quite  competent  to  fill  his  situation  during  his 
absence.  You  will  oblige  me  much  by  letting  me  know  as 
soon  as  possible,  in  order  that  I  may  make  proper  arrangements. 


338  MEMOIR    OF   JOUNSON. 

'  We  bad  tlie  first  inontlily  prayer-meeting  at  the  Seminary, 
as  proposed ;  David  Noah  spoke  on  the  text  which  I  had 
appointed,  raucli  to  the  purpose :  he  showed, — 1st,  That  all 
men  are  blind  by  nature,  and  remain  so  until  converted ;  and 
then  are  still  led  by  a  way  which  they  know  not.  lie  referred 
to  his  own  case,  both  before  and  after  conversion ;  how  he  was 
sold,  recaptured,  brought  to  Freetown,  then  to  Regent's  Town  ; 
the  means  of  conversion  ;  referred  to  Eph.  ii.  1 — 5 ;  shewed 
that  all  was  of  irea  grace,  ver.  8,  9  ;  took  a  view  of  the  slave- 
trade,  how  God  had  brought  good  out  of  evil,  and  brought  the 
blind  by  a  way  which  they  knew  not;  concluded  by  exhorting 
the  students  to  self-examination,  and  by  asking  them  whether 
they  had  been  called  by  grace ;  and  then  encouraged  them  to 
perseverance,  referring  to  1  Cor.  i.  25 — 29 ;  then  concluded  by 
ascribing  all  the  praise  and  glory  to  Father,  Son,  and  Holy 
Ghost. 

'  William  Tamba  was  appointed  to  speak  at  the  next  meet- 
ing, on  John  iii.  3. 

'  We  are  still  busy  with  a  road  towards  York.  I  have  about 
300  men  at  work,  who  have  done  a  great  deal  towards  the 
False  Cape.  We  have  the  most  difficult  task  remaining,  but 
have  no  doubt  of  success.  The  poor  people  have  worked 
almost  beyond  their  strength ;  the  rocks  are  immense  which 
have  been  moved  and  blown  out.  I  explored  the  valleys  and 
mountains,  with  D.  Noah  and  J.  Johnson,  the  day  before  yes- 
terday, and  walked  a  new  pair  of  shoes  all  to  pieces.  I  hope 
we  shall  accomplish  our  object  next  week.  The  roads  in  the 
mountains  are  all  made,  and  in  good  order. 

'  Oh,  may  the  Lord,  my  Saviour,  keep  me  humble,  and  may 
every  cross  draw  me  more  from  the  world,  and  fix  my  affec- 
tions on  things  above,  that  I  may  say,  with  holy  Paul,  "  For 
me  to  live  is  Christ — to  die  is  gain !" 

*W.  Johnson.' 


QUARTERLY   REPORT.  339 

Report  for  the  Quarter  ending  Christmas,  1822. 

*  Dear  brethren, — Mercy  unto  you  and  peace  and  love  be 
multiplied  !  Thanks  be  to  God !  who,  through  His  infinite 
mercy,  carries  on  the  work  of  grace  among  the  sons  of  Ham, 
to  whom  He  has  been  pleased  to  send  us,  to  declare  unto 
them  the  unsearchable  riches  of  Christ.  As  far  as  I  am 
acquainted  with  your  labours  in  the  Lord,  I  think  you  all 
have,  with  me,  cause  to  praise  the  God  of  Abraham,  of  Isaac, 
and  of  Jacob,  for  the  success  which  He  has  been  pleased  to 
grant  us.  When  we  view  our  respective  settlements,  and  con- 
trast their  state  when  we  first  knew  them  with  their  present 
condition,  are  we  not  constrained  to  exclaim,  What  hath  God 
wrought !  Our  trials  have  been,  and  are,  indeed,  many  :  yet 
the  manifold  mercies  which  our  God  grants  to  us  by  far  out- 
w'eigh  them.  Therefore,  my  beloved  brethren,  let  us  be  stead- 
fast, unmoveable,  always  abounding  in  the  work  of  the  Lord, 
forasmuch  as  we  know  that  our  labour  is  not  in  vain  in  the 
Lord.  The  people  at  Regent's  Town,  I  am  happy  to  say,  are 
proceeding  as  usual.  Christians  are  growing  in  grace,  and  in 
the  knowledge  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ;  and 
sinners  are  converted,  by  sovereign  grace,  unto  God. 

'  On  the  first  Sunday  of  this  month,  I  baptized  24  persons, 
and  administered  the  Lord's  Supper  to  nearly  400  ;  all  attend- 
ed except  the  sick ;  which  has  been  the  case  every  first  Sunday 
in  the  month  during  the  quarter. 

'  Last  week,  I  examined  a  considerable  number  of  adults, 
who  made  application  for  baptism,  of  whom  I  have  received 
fifty  on  trial  and  for  instruction.  John  Sandy  instructs  them 
every  morning  from  seven  to  eight  o'clock,  on  the  ordinances 
of  Baptism  and  the  Lord's  Supper.  Divine  services,  both  on 
Sundays  and  week-days,  are  regularly  and  numerously  attended. 
The  contributions  to  the  Church  Missionary  Society,  which 
have  been  raised  by  my  humble  flock,  amounted  to  £74  14s. 
lOjd.,  for  which  I  desire  to  bend  ray  knees  before  the  God  and 


340 


MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 


Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.     The  schools  are  going  on  as 
usual.    The  scholars  in  the  respective  schools  are  as  follows : — 


Boys  residing  in  the  school-house 
Do.       do.       Avith  their  parents 

Girls  residing  in  the  school-house 
Do.       do.       with  their  parents 

Men's  evening  school     .... 

Women's  do.     do 

Christian  Institution      .... 


159 
53 

5 

140 
51 


-212 


Total  scholars 


-191 

465 

41 

24 

933 


'  Twenty-four  children  arrived  on  Thursday  last,  which  are 
included  in  the  above  numbers.  The  Christian  Institution 
prospers.  The  youths  liave  made  considerable  progress.  Yes- 
terday being  Christmas-day,  we  had  the  Lord's  Supper :  the 
communicants  from  Gloucester  joining  us,  we  had  about  470 
at  the  Lord's  table. 

'May  the  God  of  all  grace  continue  to  prosper  all  our 
endeavours. 

'  W.  Johnson.' 


CHAPTER  XI. 

A.D.  1823. 

Increasing  Ophthalmia — Intended  visit  to  England — His  Embarkation 
— and  Death. 

Mr.  Johnson's  work  was  now  almost  done,  and  his  rest  was  at 
hand.  Nearly  seven  years  had  he  laboured  for  the  people  of 
Africa,  and  in  that  time  had  effected  a  work  which,  to  most 
men,  would  have  been  the  labour  of  a  life.  But  incessant  toil 
had  told  upon  both  his  frame  and  spirits.  Although  not  yet 
forty  years  of  age,  the  lassitude  of  decline  was  upon  him.  He 
had  asked  and  obtained  leave  to  revisit  England  ;  and  a  few 
weeks  only  remained,  of  his  laborious  course  in  Africa.  At  the 
beginning  of  1823,  he  wrote  to  the  Secretaries  as  follows  : — 

'Regent's  Town,  Feb.  12,  1823. 
'  Rev.  and  dear  Sirs, 

'Your  letters  up  to  the  7th  Dec.  1822,  have  safely  arrived, 
with  the  different  articles  mentioned  in  the  same.  It  still 
pleases  our  Heavenly  Father  to  carry  on  his  gracious  work 
among  the  sons  of  Ham,  as  you  will  see  by  the  last  Reports. 
Oh  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord  ! 

'  Our  schools  are  now  full  of  children.  Since  the  Christmas 
report  we  have  had  a  considerable  addition  and  increase  of  la- 
bour. Our  population  is  now  above  2000.  Besides  this  I  have 
been  deprived  of  the  assistance  of  my  sister  Hannah,  who  has 
been  married  to  Mr.  Beckley. 

'  Rachel  Garnon  (J.  Johnson's  wife),  with  the  assistance  of 
Mary  Ann  Reffell  and  Maria  Johnson,  conducts  the  girl's  school. 
Mrs.  Norman  occasionally  visits  them,  as  her  strength  and  the 
care  of  her  infant  will  not  admit  of  her  constant  attendance. 
On  the  whole  the  school  goes  on  as  well  as  can  be  expected. 


S42 


MEMOIR    OP   JOHNSON- 


The  adult  schools  have  also  increased  :  all  tlie  four  school- 
rooms are  occupied  in  the  evening.  Indeed  they  are  so  crowd- 
ed that  one  can  scarcely  pass  through  them.  At  the  last 
Quarterly  Meeting  of  Missionaries,  I  took  down  the  communi- 
cants and  scholars  at  the  different  stations,  which  I  think  will 
be  useful  to  you. 


Waterloo .     .     . 

.     16  communicants, 

.     .  291  scholars 

Gloucester     .     . 

.     98 

» 

.  247 

Regent     .     .     .     . 

410 

» 

.     .  933 

Bathurst  .     .     .     . 

19 

5» 

.  1V6 

Kissey      .     .     . 

35 

» 

.  250 

Kent   .... 

16 

»> 

.  233 

Leopold    .     .     . 

1 

n 

.  285 

Charlotte      .     .     . 

8 

»j 

.  255 

Freetown       .     . 

,     — 

» 

.     .  478 

Wilberforce  .     . 

.     — 

« 

.     .     20 

603 


3108 


'  The  Anniversary  Meeting  of  the  Sierra  Leone  Church  Mis- 
sionary Society,  was  held  on  Jan.  8  last,  at  Kissey  Town.  The 
proceedings  are  now  in  the  printing-office,  and  I  will  send  you 
a  copy  by  this  conveyance,  or  at  all  events  by  the  next. 

'The  meeting  was  well  attended,  but,  alas!  the  speeches 
were  too  much  seasoned  with  compliments.  David  Noah's 
was  the  best:  he  was  the  only  native  who  spoke.  Mr.  Nor- 
man took  the  speeches  down  in  short  hand. 

'  It  was  very  gratifying  to  receive,  without  their  being  called 
for,  contributions  from  Hastings  and  Wellington,  which  are 
not  supplied  by  our  Society,  and  only  visited  occasionally. 
John  Sandy  has  since  been  appointed  for  Wellington.  The 
people  built  him  a  house,  and  I  assisted  him  with  boards. 
Sandy  has  been  there  since  his  appointment,  every  Sunday,  and 
I  hope  the  house  will  be  ready  in  a  week  or  two  for  him  to 
remove  thither. 


MR.  curing's  return.  343 

*  W.  Tamba  was  taken  ill  as  soon  as  Mr.  During  arrived,  and 
nearly  left  tliis  world  for  his  eternal  rest :  lie  had  the  pleurisy, 
and  his  life  was  despaired  of  for  several  days.  He  is  now 
slowly  recovering,  but  the  Doctor  thinks  he  will  not  be,  for  a 
considerable  time,  convalescent.  Thus  we  are  for  the  present 
deprived  of  his  services.  Davis,  since  the  appointment  of  Mr. 
Schmidt  to  Bathurst,  has  returned,  and  will  now  attend  in  the 
school  and  seminary. 

'  I  am  thankful  to  hear  that  Mrs.  Johnson  is  recovering  :  I 
hope  she  will  soon  be  able  to  rejoin  us.  I  miss  her  much  now, 
my  sister  having  left  me.  I  hcrpe  the  Committee  will  be  so 
kind  as  to  allow  her  to  return  with  me,  after  the  rains,  to  this 
country.  I  wrote  on  the  22nd  November  last,  concerning  this 
matter,  and  expect  soon  an  answer.  I  cannot  express  my  gra- 
titude sufficiently  for  the  kind  care  you  have  taken  of  Mrs.  J. 
I  pray  God  to  reward  you. 

'  The  last  attack  of  opthalraia  has  reduced  the  sight  of  my 
left  eye  much.  A  speck  is  growing  near  the  sight,  and  one  of 
my  doctors  advises  me  to  undergo  an  operation  ;  but  another 
advises  me  not :  both  are  of  opinion  that  I  shall  have  frequent 
attacks,  unless  something  is  done,  and  at  last  lose  the  sight  of 
my  eye.  The  right  eye  is  well,  but,  sympathizing  with  the 
other,  has  become  very  weak. 

'  Mr.  During  was  most  affectionately  received  by  his  people. 
As  soon  as  I  heard  of  his  arrival  I  went  down  to  Freetown. 
Some  people  went  with  me,  and  some  had  already  gone.  We 
rode  up  in  the  evening,  accompanied  by  a  great  number  of 
Gloucester  people,  who  went  before,  singing  and  praising  God 
for  having  brought  their  minister  safely  among  them  again.  I 
am  thankful  that,  through  the  mercy  of  God,  they  have  been 
kept  together,  and  that  the  number  of  believers  has  increased 
during  his  absence,  namely  to  98  communicants  and  27  candi- 
dates. 

'  I  am  afraid  that  our  expectations  respecting  G.  Caulker  at 
the  Plantains  will  be  frustrated.  He  is  almost  continually 
trading  at  the  Gallinas,  which  is  always  full  of  slave-traders  : 


344  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON, 

and  one  vessel  has  been  taken  there,  supposed  to  have  slaves 
on  board,  formerly  belonging  to  Mr.  C.  An  investigation  will 
most  likely  take  place  when  the  Goveinor  returns  from  Cape 
Coast. 

'There  was  no  Journal  kept  from  June  6,  1821,  to  Feb.  3, 
1822,  but  I  believe  long  letters  as  substitutes  were  sent.  It  is 
my  wish  to  keep  a  constant  Journal,  but  sometimes  multiplicity 
of  business  and  inability  has  prevented  me. 

'  I  need  not  say  anything  about  the  different  appointments 
of  our  newly-arrived  friends?  as  you  will  have  particulars  in  the 
minutes  of  the  special  meetings.  I  think  it  my  duty  to  make 
a  remark  or  two  respecting  the  qualifications  of  Missionaries 
and  Schoolmasters  for  this  country.  They  should  be,  in  the 
first  place,  all  acquainted  with  Husbandry  ;  2nd.  with  Mechan- 
ics ;  3d.  with  Land  Surveyinr/ ;  4th.  Geography  ;  5th.  they 
should  know  how  to  rule  their  own  house.  "  For  if  a  man 
know  not  how  to  rule  his  own  house,  how  shall  he  take  care  of 
the  Church  of  God  ?"  6th.  they  should  be  well  acquainted 
with  Arithmetic.  Several  of  these  qualifications,  I  am  sorry  to 
sav,  we  find  not  in  our  German  brethren.  They  have  also  pur- 
sued a  course  of  study  in  theology,  which  will  not  suit  for 
Africa.  "  Free  Will "  is  a  doctrine  that  does  not  agree  with 
the  experience  of  a  Negro,  who  is  by  "  Free  Grace  "  delivered 
from  temporal  and  spiritual  slavery.  They  have  studied  lan- 
guages, and  have  forgotten  that  they  have  to  teach  ABC. 
Some  know  not  the  simple  '•  Rule  of  Three,"  and  are  totally 
ignorant  of  accounts !  What  such  will  do,  when  they  have  to 
superintend  a  town  or  village,  I  do  not  know.  Be  so  kind  as 
to  excuse  these  remarks.  Perhaps  you  will  be  able  to  remedy 
some  things  in  future,  but  I  will  leave  this  until  another  time, 
or,  if  it  please  God,  till  I  see  you. 

'  Mr.  Metzger,  is  recovering  from  the  fever  ;  also  Mr.  Bucka- 
ner.  They  have  now,  I  trust,  escaped  all  danger.  Last  Sun- 
dav  I  perceived  something  unusual  in  Mr.  Buckaner,  which  led 
me  to  think  he  was  about  getting  the  fever.  I  instantly  used 
the  proper  means,  which  surprised  him,  he  thinking  himself 


MISSIONARY    QUALIFICATIONS.  84S 

well ;  however,  in  the  evening  he  found  by  painful  experience, 
that  I  was  right.  I  believe  that  this  disease  is  very  soon 
cured,  and  is  not  dangerous  if  discovered  in  time,  and  the 
proper  course  pursued.  You  will,  humanly  speaking,  lose  very 
few  of  your  servants,  if  you  send  tbem  in  the  beginning  of  the 
dry  season,  so  that  they  may  either  have  fever  or  become 
accustomed  to  the  climate,  before  the  rains  set  in.  Let  people 
say  what  they  will,  I  believe  the  climate  is  not  so  unhealthy  as 
it  is  represented.  I  am  fully  persuaded  that  many  die  of  fear 
and  neglect ;  not  taking  the  advice  given  them  by  those  who 
have  resided  longer  in  the  country.  Also  others  die  on  ac- 
count of  bad  living,  either  through  gluttony  or  laziness.  Exer- 
cise is  one  of  the  best  remedies  against  all  sorts  of  diseases,  and 
thus  an  active  man  or  woman  may  enjoy  tolerable  health  in 
Africa. 

'  "We  have  commenced  a  building  at  the  seminary  for  the 
new  comers,  which  I  trust  will  meet  with  your  approbation  ; 
the  expense  will  be  little,  as  we  have  a  good  deal  of  timber  on 
band.  It  will  be  covered  in  before  the  rains,  and  will  contain 
three  families.  So  when  you  send  us  more  help,  we  shall  have 
an  opportunity  of  instructing  them  a  little,  and  thus  prepare 
tbem  for  their  stations,  &c.  Our  houses  are  only  convenient 
for  our  present  families,  and  unpleasantness  must  take  place  if 
we  have  no  place  to  put  them  in.  There  is  a  house  in  Free- 
town which  is  but  small,  and  if  new  comers  are  placed  there, 
they  see  nothing,  nor  learn  anything  of  the  superintendence  of 
a  village  &c. 

*  I  was  on  my  way  to  Waterloo,  but  heard  the  "  Lively  " 
would  sail  this  week,  which  was  the  cause  of  my  return.  The 
foundation-stone  of  a  church  will  be  laid  there  to-day  ;  I  should 
much  like  to  have  been  present,  but  not  having  written  to 
you  for  a  long  time,  I  thought  that  more  important. 

'  May  the  Lord  our  God  still  bless  your  labours,  and  make 
you  instrumental  in  sending  forth  more  faithful  labourers,  is 
the  prayer  of  '  Your's,  &c., 

-  '  W.  A.  B.  Johnson.' 


346  MEMOIR    OF   JOHNSOK. 


Journal  from  Bee.  5,  1822,  to  Jan.  27,  1823. 

'^  Dec.  5,  1822.  My  various  engagements  have  again  pre- 
vented me  from  keeping  to  my  intention,  as  it  respects  keeping 
journals.  Last  week  I  at  length  received  a  letter  from  Mr. 
During,  and  my  mind  was  much  relieved,  being  informed  that 
Mrs.  Johnson  was  still  in  the  body,  and  that  she  was  somewhat 
better.  Keceived  also  a  letter  from  the  Society,  and  one  from 
Mr.  Billingsley.  Many  sheets  might  be  filled  with  the  various 
conversations  I  have  had  with  the  people  here  and  at  other 
places,  particularly  at  Gloucester. 

'  Last  Sunday  I  baptized  24  adults  at  Regent's  Town,  and 
administered  the  Lord's  Supper  to  nearly  400  communicants. 
The  church  was  full.  I  spoke  on  Mark  xvi.  16:  "He  that 
believeth  and  is  baptized  shall  be  saved,  but  he  that  believeth 
not  shall  be  damned." 

'  When  I  had  finished  administering  the  Lord's  Supper,  I 
was  really  tired  and  faint.  In  the  afternoon  Mr.  Norman  kept 
prayer-meeting.  In  the  evening  I  spoke  on  Matt.  v.  3.  Found 
it  good  to  be  there.  Oh  !  may  God  the  Spirit  grant  his  bless- 
ing, so  that  saints  may  be  established  in  the  faith,  and  sinners 
be  converted.  Our  friends,  viz.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Metzger,  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Lisk,  and  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Vaughan  arrived  in  the  "  Lively  " 
on  Friday  evening.  I  went  to  town  early  yesterday  to  wel- 
come them  :  came  back  the  same  evening  accompanied  by  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Metzger  and  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lisk.  Received  several 
letters,  which  comforted  me  much. 

'^  Monday,  Dec.  2,  1822.  Last  Saturday  evening  we  had 
our  usual  meeting;  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Metzger,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lisk, 
and  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Norman  were  present.  The  simple  way  in 
which  our  people  expressed  themselves,  delighted  us  much ; 
one  Avoman  said,  "  Suppose  two  people  quarrel,  another  per7 
son  can  come  and  make  peace  between  them ;  and  when  we 
have  no  peace  with  God,  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  make  peace 
between  us  and  God ;  but  when  a  man  is  once  in  hell,  who  can 


JOURKAL.  341 

make  peace  between  him  and  the  devil.  I  fear  too  much,  be- 
cause my  heart  want  so  much  for  quarrel,  I  don't  know  what 
to  do  to  love  my  brothers  and  sisters."  Others  stated  their 
many  providential  escapes  during  their  past  lives,  when  in 
slavery,  and  dragged  from  market  to  market,  like  the  common 
cattle. 

'  Yesterday,  divine  service  was,  as  usual,  numerous!}'  attend- 
ed. I  spoke  on  John  vii.  46  :  "  Never  man  spake  like  this 
man."  I  was  obliged  to  shorten  the  discourse,  as  I  had  caught 
a  cold  last  week,  and  was  very  hoarse.  In  the  afternoon  I 
went  to  Gloucester — endeavoured  to  speak  on  2  Cor.  xii.  9  : 
"  My  grace  is  sufficient  for  thee  ;"  but  was  also  obliged  to  con- 
clude early,  as  the  hoarseness  increased. 

'  Baptized  twenty-five  adults  and  several  infants,  and  admit- 
ted in  all  thirty  to  the  Lord's  table,  having  been  baptized  by 
Mr.  During,  being  named  after  benefactors.  After  baptism  I 
administered,  in  company  with  Mr.  Metzger,  the  Lord's  Sup- 
per to  ninety-five  communicants.  My  heart  rejoiced  in  God 
my  Saviour,  when  I  beheld  such  a  goodly  number  at  Glouces- 
ter. It  is  now  a  little  more  than  six  years,  when  I  took  the 
first  people  to  this  place,  and  with  the  assistance  of  a  young 
man,  built  a  shed  for  the  accommodation  of  the  people.  The 
look  of  the  place  induced  me  to  recommend  it  to  Sir  Charles 
MacCarthy,  who  agreed  to  my  proposal,  called  it  Gloucester, 
and  appointed  Mr.  During  superintendent.  It  was  then  a 
thick  forest,  now  a  neat  village.  The  church,  parsonage-house, 
and  girl's  school,  present  an  interesting  view  ;  but  what  is  far 
more  pleasing  and  gratifying  is,  the  church  full  of  attentive 
and  cleanly-dressed  people,  who  are  advancing  in  Christian 
experience ;  about  a  hundred  having  been  made  acquainted 
through  the  teaching  of  God  the  Spirit,  with  the  Saviour  of 
sinners,  to  whom  they  have  fled  for  refuge.  "  "What  has  God 
wrought  ?"     Praise  and  glory  be  to  him  for  his  work  !     Amen. 

'  I  was  grieved  in  the  evening,  that  on  account  of  my  cold,  I 
durst  not  speak  to  my  people  at  Regent's  Town.  Mr.  Lisk 
read  and  explained  Psalm  ciii.    I  rejoice  to  find  that  more  are 


848  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

enquiring,  both  at  Regent's  Town  and  Gloucester,  what  they 
must  do  to  be  saved,  and  are  anxious  to  be  admitted  to  the 
church.  I  shall  take  an  early  opportunity  of  examining  them, 
and  such  as  appear  to  be  partakers  of  grace,  receive  on  trial 
and  for  instruction,  under  the  care  of  Sandy  at  Regent's  Town, 
and  W.  Tamba  at  Gloucester. 

*  Dec.  18.  Through  the  mercy  of  God,  I  have  been  enabled 
to  examine  those  who  proposed  themselves  as  candidates  for 
baptism  ;  and  oh !  what  shall  I,  unworthy  sinner,  render  unto 
the  Lord  for  his  unspeakable  mercies,  in  owning  and  blessing 
his  word,  which  is  preached  in  so  much  weakness  by  his  un- 
worthy servant.  Thirty-three  have  been  received  as  candidates 
at  Regent's  Town,  and  fourteen  at  Gloucester,  (the  number  has 
since  increased  to  fifty  at  Regent's  Town,  and  twenty-seven  at 
Gloucester.)  Several  have  as  yet  not  been  examined,  which 
will  take  place  to-day.  I  am  happy  to  say,  that  no  less  than 
seventeen  young  people  who  are  named  after  benefactors,  are 
among  the  number  at  Regent's  Town.  Their  names  are  as 
follows — Melchior  Renner,  John  Essex  Bull,  Thomas  Jermyn, 
William  Glover,  James  Charles  Hoare,  William  Dealtry,  Joha 
Calvin,  Thomas  Collier,  William  Goode,  William  Gurney, 
Rachael  Biddulph,  Jane  Farish,  Ann  Guinness,  Sarah  Bicker- 
steth,  Mary  M.  Sherwood,  Sarah  Mackenzie,  and  Mary  Jane 
Howard. 

'  Sarah  Bickersteth  is,  as  far  as  I  know,  the  first  of  her  nation 
who  has  tasted  that  the  Lord  is  gracious.  She  is  of  the  Kroo 
country,  and  was  brought  to  this  colony  by  a  Krooman  about 
five  years  ago.  Sir  Charles  M'Ctrthy  saw  her,  took  her  from 
the  man  and  sent  her  to  me.  She  was  then  quite  a  little  girl, 
but  is  now  a  well-grown  young  woman,  and  has  become, 
through  the  grace  of  God,  a  new  creature.  She  expresses  great 
sorrow  for  her  superstitious  countrymen,  and  calls  herself  the 
worst  girl  in  the  school.  She  answered  almost  every  question 
I  put  to  her,  and  with  tears  said,  "  I  only  want  to  serve  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  in  this  world,  for  he  came  and  died  for  sin- 
ners on  the  cross." 


'  Jane  Farisli  was  a  girl  who  grieved  me  much,  by  always 
quarrelling  with  the  other  girls ;  but,  blessed  be  God,  who  has 
by  sovereign  grace  turned  the  lion  into  a  lamb !  When  she 
related  to  me  the  merciful  dealing  of  her  heavenly  Father,  she 
said,  that  before  I  fetched  her  out  of  the  bush,  which  is  about 
six  years  ago,  she  was  very  sick,  and  fainted  ;  and  her  country- 
people,  thinking  she  was  dead,  tied  her  up  iu  a  mat,  and  carried 
her  to  bury  her :  the  grave  was  dug,  and  they  let  her  down, 
when,  as  she  expressed  herself,  "  God  woke  me.  I  began  to 
cr}^,  and  they  pulled  me  out  again  ;  a  little  bit  more,  and  I 
should  have  been  buried.  I  cannot  thank  God  enough  :  for 
true  he  wanted  to  save  my  poor  soul." 

'  Time  fails  me  to  give  a  further  detail  of  the  merciful  deal- 
ings of  our  God  with  these  children  of  Ham.  Surely  the  day 
of  the  Lord  for  Africa  is  dawning.  Ethiopia  shall  soon  "  stretch 
out  her  hands  to  God." 

'  Last  night  a  gang  of  sawyers,  who  are  independent  of 
Government,  and  who  are  always  in  the  forest  to  cut  and  saw 
timber,  but  attend  divine  service  very  regularly,  came  to  me, 
and  wanted  to  tell  me  what  the  Lord  Jesus  had  done  for  their 
souls.  As  I  had  no  good  opinion  of  them,  being  very  strong, 
rough,  independent  fellows,  eight  in  number,  I  told  them  to 
come  again  this  afternoon.  When  they  were  gone,  I  went  to 
the  evening  school,  and  enquired  of  some  of  our  good  people 
concerning  these  men,  who  informed  me  that  they  had  observ- 
ed them  of  late  to  be  quite  different,  and  had  hopes  that  God's 
grace  had  touched  their  hearts.  This  was  most  surprising  but 
pleasing  news  to  me. 

"  Hail,  mighty  Jesus,  how  divine, 
Is  thy  victorious  sword! 
The  stoutest  rebel  must  resign. 
At  tliy  commanding  word." 

'  Last  Sunday  I  spoke  on  Isa.  xl.  1.  In  the  afternoon  I  went 
to  Charlotte  Town,  but  could  not  preach  on  account  of  hoarse- 
ness, with  which  I  was  seized  during  morning-service.  The 
easterly  Avinds  prevail  at  present,  and  they  affect  my  chest,  and 

15 


350  MEMOIR   or  JOHNSON. 

much  speaking  increases  the  complaint.  Mr.  Davey  read  and 
explained  John  x,  2'7-2{}  ;  afterwards  I  administered  the  sacra- 
ment to  nine  people  and  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Taylor  and  Mr.  Davey. 
In  the  evening,  I  preached  from  Isa.  Iv.  1,  at  Regent's  Town. 
Mr.  Norman  kept  divine  service  at  Regent's  Town  in  the  after- 
noon. I  am  sorry  to  say  the  people  cannot  understand  Mr. 
Metzger.  John  Sandy  kept  divine  service  for  Mr.  Davey,  at 
Leopold,  in  the  afternoon. 

'  One  woman  who  has  joined  ns,  came  last  night  to  me,  and 
said,  weeping,  "  Massa,  do,  I  beg  of  yon,  hear  what  I  am  going 
to  say  to  you  ; — trouble  I  got,  pass  me ;  I  can't  bear  it :  all 
them  people  that  live  close  to  my  honse,  hate  me  since  I  came 
and  join  the  Church,  especially  one  woman,  she  say,  she  will 
make  me  palaver,  palaver — till  I  do  some  bad,  till  I  fight  with 
her.  Massa,  let  me  move  from  that  place  ;  do,  I  beg  you,  talk 
to  my  husband,  that  he  try  to  take  another  house.  For  true, 
me  want  to  serve  the  Lord  Jesus,  but  that  woman  won't  let 
me."  I  told  her  that  if  she  wanted  to  be  without  trouble,  she 
must  go  out  of  the  world,  for  if  she  went  to  live  in  another 
street,  I  had  no  doubt  trouble  would  meet  her  there  also. 
Moreover,  that  our  Saviour  had  said,  that  "  whosoever  would 
be  his  disciple,  should  take  up  his  cross  daily  and  follow  him." 
She  went  home  determined  to  follow  the  Saviour,  and  not  to 
speak  to  the  bad  woman,  but  avoid  all  intercourse  with  her. 

^Dec.  20.  Have  received  five  more  candidates  for  baptism, 
•which  increases  the  number  to  eighteen.  Sandy  said,  that  as 
there  were  more  persons  who  were  not  yet  examined,  and  his 
house  was  too  small  to  contain  all  that  would  most  likely  be 
added,  he  begged  to  know  where  he  must  go  next.  I  told  him 
to  assemble  his  flock  every  morning  in  the  Governor's  cottage 
on  the  hill,  which  will  hold  them  all.  I  find  Sandy  very  use- 
ful in  preparing  the  candidates  for  Baptism  and  the  Lord's 
Supper,  which  he  does  every  morning  from  seven  to  eight 
o'clock,  and  then  attends  in  the  course  of  the  day  the  school  at 
the  Seminary,  and  at  night  the  evening  school.  He  possesses 
particular  talents,  as  it  respects  prayer  and  speaking  to  his 


JOURNAL.  S5I 

countrymen,  in  which  he  exceeds  all  the  native  teachers.  He 
is  always  called  on  to  pray  at  our  Monthly  Missionary  Prayer- 
meetings  ;  every  one  seems  to  enjoy  his  simple  and  scriptural 
mode  of  praying. 

'■Jan.  16,  1823.  It  has  been  out  of  my  power  to  keep  a  re- 
gular journal  ;  my  various  engagements  have  so  much  increased, 
that  no  time  could  I  afibrd  for  that  purpose. 

'  On  Christmas-day  we  had  the  largest  congregation  which  I 
ever  witnessed  in  Africa ;  our  Church  was  by  far  too  small. 
The  people  from  Batburst  came  by  nine  o'clock,  and  when 
William  Davis  found  that  most  of  the  people  had  gone  to  Re- 
gent's Town,  he  came  with  the  rest,  saying,  he  wanted  also  to 
hear  the  word  of  God  at  Regent's  Tovt'n,  The  Church  was  full 
before  the  bell  rang,  and  after  divine  service  had  commenced, 
the  communicants  of  Gloucester  also  joined  us,  who  were  how- 
ever obliged  to  remain  outside.  I  preached  on  Isaiah  ix.  6. 
After  the  sermon,  Mr.  Metzger  assisted  me  in  administering  the 
Lord's  Supper.  The  communicants  of  Gloucester  having  joined 
us,  we  had  altogether  4V0  at  the  Lord's  Table.  God  be  praised 
for  this  goodly  number.  What  I  felt  on  the  occasion  can  be 
better  imagined  than  by  me  described. 

'  Through  the  addition  of  new  people,  our  population  has 
now  increased  to  full  2,000,  which  number  our  Church  com- 
fortably contains.  Should  we  however  get  more,  which  is 
likely  to  be  the  case,  our  church  will  be  too  small  again,  and 
in  that  case  we  must  build  another  gallery. 

'  We  had  the  Lord's  Supper  again  the  first  Sunday  of  this 
month,  when  about  370  partook  of  the  same.  The  arrival  of 
our  friends  in  the  "Esther"  has  so  much  involved  me  in  busi- 
ness, that  I  am  not  able  to  attend  to  my  dear  people  as  I  wish 
which  makes  me  very  uneasy.  I  am  again  afflicted  with  the 
ophthalmia,  my  left  eye  is  weak  and  much  inflamed,  so  that  I 
cannot  leave  the  house,  which  is  a  hard  lesson  for  me. 

'Jirm.  27.  Am  only  able  now  to  write  a  little.  My  eye  be- 
came so  much  inflamed  in  the  pulpit  the  Sunday  before  last, 
that  I  have  been  obliged  to  leave  all  my  engagements  ever 


352  MEMOIR    OF   JOHNSO^f. 

since.     Yesterday  I  was  a  hearei'.     Mr.  13 preached  in  the 

morning  on  Isaiah  v,  6,  Y.  Alas !  there  was  httle  for  a  poor 
heavy-laden  sinner  in  the  sermon — nothing  of  the  fulness  of 
Christ — nothing  of  the  Spirit.  All  self — no  faith  ;  "  from  all 
false  doctrine,  heresy,  and  schism,  good  Lord,  deliver  us."  The 
poor  people  looked  at  me,  as  if  they  would  say,  "  This  is  self, 
against  which  you  always  preach."  I  cannot,  nor  dare  I  sub- 
mit to  such  doctrines,  which  tend  to  rob  God  of  his  glory.  But 
I  must  not  give  way  fully  to  my  feelings.  "  If  it  is  possible, 
as  much  as  lieth  in  you,  live  peaceably  with  all  men."  In  the 
afternoon  and  evening,  I  requested  Mr.  Norman  to  explain  the 
Scripture,  as  I  could  not  allow  self  to  be  preached  from  my 
pulpit.  '  W.  Johnson. 

'  P.S. — Before  sending  the  above,  I  have  read  it  over,  and 
must  say,  that  what  is  written  about  Mr.  B.'s  sermon,  has  been 
partly  the  result  of  momentary  warmth. 

'  W.  J.' 

Report  of  Regent'' s  Toiun,for  March  1823. 

' Dear  brethren — "grace  to  you  and  peace  from  God  our 
Father,  and  from  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ." 

'  Again  it  has  pleased  the  Lord  our  God  to  spare  us  to  labour 
in  His  vineyard,  and  to  prosper  us  in  the  work  of  love  which 
He  has  given  us  to  do.  It  is  true,  I  have  sufl'ered,  and  conti- 
nue to  suffer  much  from  ophtlialmia  ;  but  I  trust  that  even  this 
is  among  the  "all  things"  that  "shall  work  together  for  good." 

'  As  it  respects  Regent's  Town,  the  work  of  the  Lord  is  pro- 
ceeding as  before.  Divine  service  has  been  regularly  attended 
by  the  communicants  and  the  other  inhabitants  :  the  schools 
continue  to  improve.  We  have  had  several  additions  to  our 
congregation  and  the  schools,  by  the  arrivals  of  slave-vessels ; 
and  our  population  now  amounts  to  upwards  of  2,000  pereons. 
The  people  behave  quietly  and  orderly,  so  that  we  have  very 
few  palavers,  indeed  less  than  ever  before. 


REPORT. 


353 


'I  stated,  in  my  last,  that  we  had  fifty  candidates  under 
trial  and  instruction,  for  the  holy  ordinance  of  baptism :  one 
of  them,  a  woman,  has  since  died  in  the  faith  ;  and  another,  a 
man,  has  been  excluded  for  improper  conduct :  the  remaining 
forty-eight  will,  if  it  please  our  gracious  God,  be  baptized  on 
Easter-Sunday.  The  youths  in  the  seminary  continue  to  "walk 
worthy  of  their  high  vocation  wherewith  they  are  called." 
They  have  made  considerable  progress  in  their  studies,  and 
promise  well  for  future  usefulness ;  indeed  their  conduct  is 
such,  that  I  think  it  my  duty  to  notice  it  in  my  present  report. 

'  The  number  of  scholars  is  as  follows : — 


Boys  residing  in  the  school-house 
Boys  residing  with  their  parents 

Girls  residing  in  the  school-house 
Girls  residing  with  their  parents 


Men's  evening-school  . 
Women's  evening-school 
Christian  Institution 


195 

56 

f 

180 
60 


-251 


Total 


-230 

551 

20 

27 

1079 


'  There  are  710  persons  who  can  read. 

'The  number  of  communicants,  with  the  addition  of  the 
forty-eight  candidates  mentioned  above,  will  be  about  450. 

'  Our  last  anniversary  of  the  Regent's  Town  Branch  Mis- 
sionary Association  was  very  interesting.  The  collection  after 
the  meeting  amounted  to  £10  6s.  Ojd.  The  new  people 
receive  half  rice  and  half  cocoa  or  cassada  ;  since  October  last, 
7470  bushels  of  cassada  and  1421  bushels  of  cocoa  have  been 
issued  ;  and  there  is  now  enough  on  the  people's  farms  to  sup- 
ply them  with  half  rations  throughout  the  year. 

'  The  new  road  to  the  sea  is  nearly  completed.  Some  of  the 
people  have  begun  to  trade  in  the  country ;  one  canoe  has 
been  purchased,  and  another  hired  for  that  purpose :  one  man 
has  already  delivered  two  tons  and  sixteen  bushels  of  rice. 


354  MEMOIR    OF   JOHNSON. 

The  fishery  has  commenced,  and  promises  to  become  a  perma- 
nent benefit  to  the  town.  May  the  God  of  Abraham,  of  Isaac, 
and  of  Jacob,  the  Triune  and  our  covenant  Jehovah,  be  praised 
for  His  continual  mercies  toward  us,  in  carrying  on  this  glori- 
ous work.  And  may  He  be  pleased  to  keep  us  humble  at  the 
foot  of  the  cross.' 

Journal,  March  19,  1823. 

'^  March  19.  In  my  distress,  I  cried  unto  the  Lord,  and  he 
heard  me.  Blessed  be  thy  name,  oh,  my  Father !  reconciled 
through  the  blood  of  Jesus,  for  having  once  more  restored  my 
sight.  Thou  art  indeed  a  prayer-hearing  and  a  prayer-answer- 
ing God,  for  Thou  hast  heard  the  prayers  of  Thy  people ! 

'  My  eyes  have  been  very  much  afiected  with  ophthalmia,  so 
that  I  almost  despaired  of  ever  recovering  my  sight  again. 
However,  through  the  infinite  mercy  of  God,  my  right  eye  is 
restored.  Last  Sunday  morning,  I  was  just  able  to  read  the 
text,  "  For  through  Him,  we  both  have  access  by  one  Spirit 
unto  the  Father."  Eph.  ii.  18.  In  the  evening,  I  could  not  see 
the  text ;  had  no  light  in  the  pulpit,  not  being  able  to  bear  it, 
but  spoke  on  Rom.  ix.  14.  "  What  shall  we  say,  then  ?  Is 
there  unrighteousnes's  with  God?  God  forbid."  I  found  it 
good  to  speak  on  these  words,  but  rather  difficult,  as  I  could 
not  refer  to  the  Scriptures  as  usual. 

'  On  Monday  evening  the  inflammation  in  my  right  eye 
began  to  abate,  and  yesterday  morning  it  was  nearly  restored. 
"O  what  shall  I  render  unto  the  Lord  for  all  His  benefits 
towards  me !" 

'  I  felt  thankful  that  though  I  could  not  read,  the  Lord  had 
not  shut  my  mouth.  Two  officers  of  the  navy  attended  divine 
worship  last  Sunday,  and  several  on  the  Sunday  before.  A 
man  from  Freetown  sent  me  a  pig  on  Monday  morning,  with 
the  following  words  :  "  P.  R.,  from  Freetown,  sends  you  this 
pig,  because  the  words  he  heard  in  Regent  Church  went 
through  his  heart." 


HIS    LAST    LETTER    HOME.  355 

*The  Lord  is  still  pleased  to  own  and  bless  the  feeble  endea- 
vours of  bis  poor  sinful  creature.  0  Lord,  my  God,  be  pleased 
to  receive  all  the  praise  and  glory.  '  W.  J.' 

Rev,  W.  Johnson  to  the  Secretaries. 

'  Regent's  Town,  March  10,  1823- 
'Rev.  and  dkak  Sirs, 

'  The  "  Lively,"  which  was  to  sail  about  a  month  ago,  having 
lost  several  men  by  fever,  my  letters,  journal,  &c.,  which  I  sent 
by  it,  are  also  detained.  I  have  since  been  twice  to  Kent  and 
York,  and  once  to  the  Plantains,  Bananas,  and  Caramania 
River.  I  should  feel  happy  to  communicate  to  you  all  par- 
ticulars, but  am  prevented  by  another  attack  of  ophthalmia.  I 
am  sorry  to  say  the  sight  of  my  left  eye  is  getting  less,  as  the 
speck  is  growing  across  the  sight ;  and  my  right  eye,  which 
has  hitherto  remained  well,  is  much  inflamed.  The  doctor 
told  me  yesterday  that  a  change  of  atmosphere  would  be 
necessary,  if  the  inflammation  continued.  I  cannot  see  a  letter 
with  my  left  eye,  but  write  this  with  my  inflamed  right  eye. 
The  ophthalmia  is  still  among  our  people. 

'  I'hope  Mr.  During  will  communicate  to  you  the  particulars 
of  our  journey,  as  he  accomjianied  me.  The  work  of  grace  is 
going  on,  for  which  I  desire  to  praise  and  bless  my  glorious 
Jehovah.  May  He  be  pleased  to  spare  me  my  sight ;  but  His 
holy  will  be  done  !  Excuse,  on  account  of  my  eyes,  this  short 
scrawl.  '  W.  Johnson.' 

About  this  time,  Mr.  Johnson  received  the  following  letter 
from  the  Seci*etaries,  sanctioning  his  return  to  England  for  a 
period. 

'Church  Missionary  House,  London,  ) 
'January  16th,  1823.  J 

'  Dear  Brother  Johnson, 
*  We  were  beginning  to   be   very  anxious  about  you  all  in 
Africa,  and  were  much  relieved  and  comforted  by  your  letter 


356  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

just  received :  and  first  we  give  all  praise  and  glory  to  our 
Heavenly  Father  through  Christ,  for  the  way  in  which  He  lias 
spared  you  all,  and  carried  you  on  successfully  in  that  blessed 
work  to  which  He  has  called  you. 

'We  have  received  your  letters,  dated  October  18th,  and 
November  14th  and  22nd,  1822;  the  Reports  of  Regent's 
Town,  Kissey,  Waterloo,  Kent,  Leopold,  Charlotte,  and  Free- 
town ;  the  Students'  Examinations,  Quarterly  Accounts,  and 
your  Journal.  - 

'  Your  request  for  a  visit  again  to  England  was  just  in  time 
for  our  last  Committee  ;  and  we  are  happy  to  inform  you,  that 
taking  into  consideration  the  situation  of  your  wife,  and  con- 
vinced you  would  not  think  of  leaving  your  people  unless  you 
were  satisfied  they  could  be  safely  left,  the  Committee  agreed 
to  your  coming  to  this  country.  I  need  not  say  that  we  shall 
all  be  very  happy  to  see  you  again. 

'  Respecting  David  Noah,  the  Committee  came  to  a  difierent 
conclusion.  We  have  seen  so  much  evil  arise,  with  hardly  an 
instance  to  put  into  the  opposite  scale,  from  Africans  coming 
to  this  country,  that  though  the  Committee  felt  a  strong  dispo- 
sition to  meet  every  wish  that  you  express,  still  it  appeared  to 
them  that  if  you  and  David  Noah  knew  all  the  temptations 
and  snares  to  .which  he  would  be  exposed,  and  the  spiritual 
injury  he  might  receive,  you  yourselves  would  not  think  of  his 
coming ;  and  therefore  they  at  present  decline  to  authorize  his 
coming  with  you.  We  have  written  to  him  to  soften  the 
disappointment  to  him. 

'  We  are  happy  to  inform  you  that  Mrs.  Johnson  is  tolerably 
well :  she  was  at  the  Society's  house  to-day,  and  Mr.  Bicker- 
steth  saw  her.  She  was  much  refreshed  at  hearing  good 
accounts  of  you,  and  at  the  thoughts  of  seeing  you  again.  If 
you  can  manage  without  a  visit  to  Hanover,  you  may  spend 
the  time  more  profitably  for  us  in  visiting  our  Associations,  and 
we  know  you  will  be  the  last  to  let  love  to  relatives  stand  in 
the  way  of  service  to  Christ. 

'  Mr. 's  conduct,  as  you  describe  it,  much  grieves  and 


LEAVES    AFRICA.  357 

distresses  us ;  you  will  find  Mr.  Palmer  a  man  of  quite  another 
spirit.  -He  and  his  wife  are  truly  devoted  to  the  Lord.  Be  not 
distressed  at  such  things ;  they  are  needful  to  keep  you  humble 
at  the  foot  of  the  cross,  amid  the  great  things  the  Lord  has 
done  by  you.  You  must  have  a  thorn  in  the  flesh,  lest  you 
should  be  exalted,  but  all  will  be  in  love  and  for  the  best  good. 

'  We  have  not  seen  Mr.  D yet.     The  Committee  will 

send  him  to  Germany,  and  make  the  best  arrangements  in  its 
power  for  his  future  support.  They  are  much  obliged  to  Mr. 
RefFell  for  his  kind  attention  to  this  subject. 

'  The  accounts  of  the  students  and  native  teachers  give  us 
great  joy.  Blessed  be  the  God  and  F^her  of  mercies,  who 
hears  and  answers  our  prayers :  we  long  to  see  Africa  abun- 
dantly supplied  with  native  teachers. 

'We  are,  ever  aflfectionately  yours, 

'  JosiAH  Pratt, 

'  Edward  Bickersteth.' 

It  was  about  six  weeks  after  the  date  of  his  last  short  note, 
when  Mr.  Johnson,  having  received  the  above  permission,  and 
having  made  the  best  arrangements  in  his  power  for  supplying 
his  place  during  a  brief  absence, — embarked  on  board  the 
"Betsy  and  Anne," — which  vessel  had,  a  short  time  previous, 
brought  Mr.  During  back  to  Sierra  Leone.  The  infant  daugh- 
ter of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  During  was  committed  to  his  care,  their 
only  surviving  child,  they  having  lost  their  son,  a  fine  child, 
between  two  and  three  years  old,  a  few  days  before.  A  young 
native  woman,  one  of  Johnson's  communicants,  accompanied 
them  to  take  care  of  the  child  :  a  circumstance  providentially 
ordered,  as  will  presently  appear. 

Mr.  Johnson  embarked  in  apparently  the  soundest  health, 
but  on  the  third  day  of  sailing,  the  seeds  of  the  fatal  disease^ 
which  he  must  have  carried  with  him  on  board,  began  to  ex- 
hibit their  eftects.  The  day  after  which,  Wednesday,  the  fever 
increased  so  that  he  began  to  anticipate  the  worst.  On  Thurs- 
day a  blister  was  applied  to  his  chest  without  any  favourable 

15* 


858  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

result.  On  Friday  the  disease  had  made  such  progress  that  he 
could  not  turn  in  the  bed : — the  cough  now  came  on,  and  he 
suffered  much  from  the  black  vomit.  "I  think  I  cannot  live," 
he  observed  to  his  weeping  attendant. 

Just  after  his  embarkation,  he  had  addressed  a  letter  to  his 
coloured  people,  exhorting  them  to  continue  in  the  grace  of 
God ;  so  anxiously  did  he  at  all  times  regard  the  work  which 
the  Lord  had  given  him  to  do ;  and  in  his  dying  moments,  he 
did  not  forget  the  many  claimants  on  his  paternal  affection, 
whom  he  was  about  to  leave  behind  him. 

On  Saturday,  May  3d,  he  had  intervals  of  delirium,  during 
which  he  called  on  David  Noah,  his  faithful  native  assistant  at 
Regent's  Town,  and  on  his  faithful  friend  During,  saying  that 
he  wished  to  tell  them  all  that  he  had  to  say  before  he  died. 
When  composed,  he  expressed  an  earnest  wish,  to  see  his  wife, 
and  spoke  encouragingly  to  his  poor  convert,  who  waited  on 
him  with  the  tenderest  solicitude,  striving  to  calm  her  fears,  and 
directing  her  how  to  proceed  on  her  arrival  in  London.  He 
asked  her  to  read  to  him  the  twenty-third  Psalm ;  "  and  when," 
said  she,  afterwards  relating  these  melancholy  particulars,  "  I 
had  read  it,  he  said  to  me,  '  I  am  going  to  die — pray  for  me.' 
I  prayed  the  Lord  Jesus,"  she  added,  "  to  take  him  the  right 
way."  He  afterwards  charged  her  to  take  good  care  of  Mr. 
During's  little  girl,  and  to  desire  the  Society  to  send  a  good 
minister  to  Regent's  Town,  as  quickly  as  possible,  or  the  people 
would  be  left  in  darkness.  "  If,"  said  he,  "  I  am  not  able  to 
go  back,  you  must  tell  David  Noah  to  do  his  duty  ;  for  if  Noah 
say, '  Because  massa  dead,  I  can  do  nothing,'  he  must  pray,  and 
God  will  help  him,  and  so  we  shall  meet  in  heaven."  His  last 
intelligible  words  Avere,  "  I  cannot  live,  God  calls  me,  and  this 
night  I  shall  be  with  Him." 


CHAPTER  XII. 

Progress  iu  Regent's  Town — Receipt  of  the  intelligence  of  Mr.  Johnson's 
death  in  England, — And  in  Africa — Letters — Conclusion. 

•  We  return,  for  a  few  moments,  to  Sierra  Leone,  and  gather  up 
some  few  remains,  shewing  the  state  of  Mr.  Johnson's  church, 
during  his  absence,  and  before  the  news  of  his  death  had  burst 
upon  the  colony. 

The  first  letter  despatched  from  the  mission  after  Mr.  John- 
sons's  departure,  was  the  following,  from  Mr.  Norman,  who  was 
left  in  charge  at  Regent's  Town. 

Mr.  J.  Norman  to  the  Secretaries. 

'  Regent's  Town,  April  21,  1823. 
'  Rev.  and  dear  Sirs, 

'  You  have  been  informed  of  my  visit  to  Kent  Town  ;  I  have 
derived  great  benefit  by  it,  and  I  thank  God  I  am  now  in  as 
good  health  as  at  any  time  since  my  arrival  in  Africa.  May 
God  grant  that  I  may  use  this  blessing  to  his  glory. 

'On  Sunday,  March  16th,  death  deprived  us  of  our  little 
daughter.  This  was  a  most  severe  trial  of  our  faith  ;  but 
blessed  be  God,  he  graciously  supported  both  Mrs.  Norman  and 
myself,  so  that  we  could  say,  "  Good  is  the  will  of  the  Lord." 
She  was  just  eight  years  old. 

'  In  consequence  of  brother  Johnson's  return  to  Europe,  the 
superintendence  of  this  town  devolves  upon  me.  I  have  under- 
taken this  important  charge  with  fear  and  trembling.  I  feel 
my  own  insufiiciency,  and  the  awful  responsibility  attached  to 
my  situation,  but  I  find  strength  and  support  in  the  many  great 
and  precious  promises  of  my  God.  As  I  have  now  a  peculiar 
trust  committed  to  me,  may  I  beg  a  peculiar  interest  in  your 
prayers,  that  God  the  Holy  Ghost  may  be  with  me,  and  enable 
me  faithfully  to  discharge  the  duties  of  my  important  station. 


360  MEMOIR    OF   JOHNSON. 

'  You  will  be  much  encouraged  by  brother  Johnson's  last 
quarterly  Report.  I  feel  it  my  duty  to  add  my  testimony  to 
it,  for  I  am  certain  after  more  than  two  years'  close  observation 
and  constant  intercourse  with  the  people  of  this  town,  that 
much  more  than  he  has  written  might  be  said  with  truth.  Yes, 
the  word  of  the  Lord,  through  his  instrumentality,  has  been 
miglitv  through  grace  in  pulling  down  the  strongholds  of  sin 
and  Satan,  and  building  up  the  kingdom  of  Christ  in  the  hearts 
of  the  once  wretched,  but  now  happy,  sons  of  Africa. 

'  I  am  sorry  to  say  that  our  dear  brother  Bunyer  is  now  no 
more.  He  departed  this  life  in  the  hope  of  a  glorious  resur- 
rection, yesterday  morning.  I  saw  him  before  he  died  :  he 
was  comfortable  in  his  mind,  and  quite  resigned  to  the  will  of 
God.  We  have  experienced  a  most  awful  season— death  has 
made  great  ravages,  particularly  among  the  Europeans. 

'The  boys  under  my  care  continue  their  good  conduct. 
They  are  in  want  of  several  things,  which  brother  Johnson  will 
inform  you  of. 

'Mrs.  Norman  desires  to  be  dutifully  remembered  to  you, 
and  joins  me  in  humble  prayer  that  God  may  be  with  you  both, 
and  direct  you  and  prosper  you  in  all  your  doings,  that  all  may 
tend  to  the  hastening  of  the  time  when  "  the  kingdoms  of  this 
world  shall  become  the  kingdoms  of  our  God  and  of  his  Christ." 

'  James  Norman.' 

Some  of  the  best  of  the  native  converts  in  Regent's  Town, 
naturally  felt  desirous  of  holding  communication  with  their 
pastor  while  in  England.  We  meet  with  the  following  letters 
of  this  description  : — 

Williani  Davis  to  Rev.  W.  Johnson. 

'Regent's  Town,  April  29,  1823. 
'  Rev.  and  dear  Sir  : 
'I  have  sent  these  few  lines  to  you,  for  I  have  not  much 
words  to  write  at  this  time,  and  therefore  I  only  write  about 
myself  and  the  people. 


LETTERS    FROM    REGENT's    TOWN.  ~'361 

'  My  wish  is  to  serve  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  to  follow  him ; 
but  my  own  heart  is  so  deceitful  in  all  things,  and  desperately 
wicked,  that  I  sometimes  cry  out  with  St.  Paul,  "  Oh  wretched 
man  that  I  am,  who  shall  deliver  me  from  the  body  of  this 
death  ?"  and  when  I  consider  that  beyond  the  grave  comes  the 
judgment,  I  am  afraid  ;  but  I  pray  and  hope  that  the  Lord  who 
has  helped  me,  will  still  help  me,  for  he  is  faithful  to  his  pro- 
mises. My  wife  is  very  sorry  that  she  did  not  shake  hands 
with  you  before  you  went,  and  she  begs  you  will  forgive  her, 
and  give  her  love  to  Mrs.  Johnson. 

'  Since  you  have  been  gone,  the  people  seem  as  if  they  will 
obey  him  you  have  left  here.  They  are  very  quiet  and  steady, 
and  plenty  come  to  church  and  are  attentive  :  the  candidates, 
too,  go  on  well.  I  hope  the  Lord  will  keep  you,  and  bring 
you  and  Mrs.  Johnson  back  again.  Give  my  love  to  Mrs. 
Johnson  and  all  the  good  people  in  England. 

'  William  Davis.' 

Anthony  Morgan  to  Rev.  W.  Johnson. 

'April  28,  1823 
'Rev.  and  dear  Sir, 
'I  am  indeed  sorry  for  your  going  away  from  us ;  bnt,  how- 
ever, if  we  do  not  see  one  another  in  this  world,  I  hope  it 
may  please  God  that  we  may  not  be  separated  in  spirit.  May 
we  all  go  from  strength  to  strength  till  we  all  appear  before 
God  in  Zion.  I  hope  that  you  will  not  forget  to  pray  for  us 
ignorant  creatures ;  I  hope  you  do  not  forget  us,  we  never  will 
forget  you.  I  hope  you  will  not  forget  to  pray  for  our  country 
people,  that  God  may  send  the  light  of  his  countenance  upon 
them,  for  they  are  in  darkness  and  the  shadow  of  death.  I 
hope  you  will  beg  all  our  dear  friends  in  England  that  they 
will  not  forget  to  pray  to  God  that  he  may  send  his  Holy  Spirit 
to  give  us  more  understanding,  that  the  work  in  which  we 
are  engaged  may  be  blessed,  for  all  of  us  know  that  without 
the   Holy   Spirit's   assistance,  we   can  do   nothing,  for  it  is 


362  MEMOIR    OF   JOHNSOK. 

written,  "  Paul  may  plant  and  Apollos  water,  but  God  giv- 
eth  the  increase,"  for  it  is  him  that  "  worketh  in  us  both  to  will 
and  to  do  of  his  good  pleasure." 

'  Give  my  respects  to  Mrs.  Johnson,  hoping  that  she  is  well 
and  does  not  forget  to  pray  for  us,  for  we  will  never  forget  her ; 
may  those  afflictions  which  God  has  been  pleased  to  lay  upon 
her,  work  for  her  good,  for  it  is  written  "  that  all  things  shall 
work  together  for  good  to  them  that  love  God,  to  them  who 
are  called  according  to  his  purpose  :"  but  I  should  be  glad 
indeed  to  see  her,  for  she  has  been  gone  away  a  long  time  from 
us.  I  hope  it  may  please  God  to  send  her  back  again  in  health 
and  strength.  I  hope  the  prayers  we  make  in  hor  behalf  may 
be  answered,  for  God  is  a  prayer-hearing  and  prayer-answering 
God.  He  hath  declared  that  he  will  hear  our  prayers,  and 
God  is  not  a  man  that  he  should  lie  unto  his  people  ;  he  hath 
said,  that  before  his  people  call,  he  will  answer,  and  that  while 
they  yet  speak,  he  will  hear.  When  I  call  to  mind  his  holy 
promises  which  are  in  the  Scriptures,  I  indeed  hope  and  trust 
and  believe  that  what  he  hath  said  he  will  perform,  for  he 
hath  said,  "  Call  upon  me  in  the  day  of  trouble,  I  will  de- 
liver thee,  and  thou  shalt  glorify  me."  Oh,  I  intreat  you  once 
more  to  beg  all  your  dear  friends  in  England  that  they  may 
look  up  to  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  that  he  may  send  his  Holy 
Spirit  to  teach  and  guide  us  in  the  way  of  truth,  for  he  hath 
said,  he  will  be  our  guide  even  unto  death. 

'  Anthony  Morgan.' 


Mr.  During  writes  as  follows : 


'Gloucester,  June  17,  1823. 


'Dear  Brother, 
'  Since  the  date  of  my  last  to  you,  I  have  been  severely  ill. 
An  obstruction  was  followed  by  an  inflammation,  which  I 
thought  would  put  an  end  to  my  earthly  existence,  but  through 
the  upholding  hand  of  our  covenant  Jehovah,  I  am  still  spared 
in  the  land  of  the  living.      I  am  still  on  the  doctor's  list,  but 


LETTERS    FROM    REGENt's    TOWN.  3ft8 

am  in  some  measure  enabled  to  attend  to  my  duties  as  much 
as  my  greatly  reduced  state  will  admit,  and  for  the  first 
time  since  May  11th,  when  I  administered  the  Lord's  Supper 
at  Regent's  Town,  I  kept  service  here  twice  last  Sunday  with 
the  assistance  of  W.  Tamba,  who  has  been  here  every  Sunday 
during  my  illness. 

'  You,  no  doubt,  must  feel  anxious  how  matters  go  on  at  Re- 
gent's Town.  I  shall  endeavour  to  give  you  conscientiously 
the  whole,  as  briefly  as  I  can  ;  and  first,  I  begin  with  the  head, 
Mr.  Norman,  who  has  hitherto  dealt  with  the  people  to  my 
entire  satisfaction.  He  does  not  use  the  least  hard  measure, 
but  gets  one  as  well  as  another  to  do  any  thing  he  tells  them 
by  gentleness.  In  this  he  has  completely  succeeded,  and  I  find 
to  my  great  comfort  the  people  are  pleased  with  him,  and  look 
up  to,  and  respect  him.  He  is  remarkably  careful,  for  in  the 
least  difiiculty  he  sees  himself  placed  in,  I  am  sure  to  have  a 
long  letter  from  him,  asking  advice,  which  I  always  give 
him. 

'  One  thing,  however,  has  caused  me  much  anxiety,  which  is, 
ihat  two  men  whose  names  I  do  not  know  yet,  have  begun  to 
sell  rum  secretly.  T.  R.,  whose  activity  in  finding  out  things  is 
almost  unparalleled,  was  the  first  who  had  suspicion  of  it,  but 
could  not   succeed  in  finding  it  out.      Last   Friday   evening, 

W ,  C ,  M ,  and,  I  am  exceedingly  sorry  to  say, 

J.  T. had  somehow  or  other  fallen  in  with  them,  and  were 

found  drunk  and  disturbing  the  whole  town.  It  was  found  ne- 
cessary to  confine  them.  This  confirmed  T.  R.  that  the  liquor 
was  sold  i'n  the  town,  as  none  of  them  had  been  out  of  town 
all  day.  As  soon  as  I  heard  of  this,  I  sent  word  to  Mr.  Nor- 
man to  send  all  the  constables  to  search  the  town  for  the  per- 
nicious liquor.  Three  men  were  consequently  taken,  in  the 
house  of  one  of  whom  was  found  about  a  gallon,  the  other 
pleaded  guilty,  and  the  third,  I  do  not  know  if  he  is  guilty  or 
not.  If  the  weather  permits,  I  purpose  to  go  there  to-mor- 
row and  settle  the  palaver,  and  speak  to  the  people.  It  was 
my  plan,  shortly  after  your  leaving,  to  spend  a  day  and  an 


364  MEMOIR    OF   JOHNSON. 

evening  every  week  at  Regent's  Town,  and  I  mean  to  put  it 
into  execution  now,  though  I  must  be  very  careful,  as  my 
health  is  not  in  a  state  to  bear  much.  Poor  Joe ! — I  am  truly 
grieved  on  his  account;  but,  dear  brother,  what  good  can  we 
do  with  all  our  grieving  and  distressing  ourselves  ?  These 
things  must  needs  be,  to  show  us  more  every  day,  that  the  best 
of  men  only  stand  as  long  as  they  are  upheld  by  sovereign 
grace,  and  no  longer.  I  don't  know  how  his  mind  is  affected 
as  yet,  but  I  shall  have  no  rest  till  I  have  seen  and  spoken 
to  him  before  any  other. 

'  This  is  all  the  palaver  I  know  about  at  present,  and  I  am 
sure  that  if  there  were  any  more,  I  should  know  ;  and  there- 
fore I  say  with  confidence  that  all  things,  with  the  exception  of 
the  last  mentioned,  go  on  as  well  as  can  be  expected.  Be 
not  therefore  troubled — to  prevent  men  from  falling  into  sin, 
no  man  can ;  but  to  see  that  outward  things  go  on  quietly,  I 
will  engage  for,  until  you  return,  which  I  hope  may  be  soon,  as 
the  whole  management  of  the  Society's  business  rests  upon  poor 
me  and  brother  Nylander. 

'  I  am  just  come  from  Regent's  Town,  Avhither  I  went  yester- 
day afternoon,  it  being  a  little  fine  then ;  and  am  happy  to 
say  that  I  found  every  thing  quiet  and  every  body  satisfied.  I 
spoke  to  the  people  in  the  evening ;  the  church  was  well 
filled,  and  I  enjoyed  the  service,  and  I  believe  the  people  did 
too,  for  they  were  very  attentive.' 

John  Davis  to  the  Rev.  W.  Johnson. 

'Regent's  Town,  June  20,  1823. 
*  Rev.  akd  deak  Sir, 
*  I  am  sorry  that  you  are  absent  from  us  for  a  season ;  but 
I  pray  that  the  Lord  may  be  with  you  in  all  your  journey, 
and  that  He  will  bring  you  back  among  us  once  more,  to 
preach  unto  us  the  unsearchable  riches  of  Christ.  I  feel  my- 
self very  happy  in  seeing  that  the  people  are  in  good  order, 


LETTERS    FROM    MR.    BICKERSTETH.  366 

and  I  pray  that  the  Lord  may  assist  Mr.  Norman  to  rule  the 
people  in  the  fear  of  God,  and  to  feed  his  flock  ;  and  my  wish 
is  that  my  countrymen  may  receive  the  gospel  as  well  as  my- 
self: but  L  know  that  without  the  help  of  God  the  Holy 
Ghost  nothing  good  can  be  done.  If  I  don't  see  you  now,  I 
hope  we  may  meet  in  everlasting  glory  :  this  is  my  desire.  I 
praise  God  for  His  love  unspeakable  towards  me.  May  the 
Lord  be  pleased  to  send  out  his  light  and  truth  over  all  the 
world,  as  he  hath  said  that  His  word  shall  go  over  the  whole 
earth,  as  the  waters  cover  the  channels  of  the  sea.  I  pray  God 
"  that  all  may  know  Him  from  the  least  unto  the  greatest." 

'  My  wife  gives  her  love  to  you ;  she  hopes  God  will  return 
you  back  to  us  ;  and  she  gives  her  compliments  to  Mrs.  John- 
son. 'John  Davis.' 

The  month  of  July,  at  last,  brought  to  the  Church  Mission- 
ary House  the  heaviest  intelligence  that  had  ever  reached 
that  dwelling.  The  joy  which  every  previous  account  from 
Africa,  for  three  or  four  years,  had  given,  was  suddenly  turned 
into  the  deepest  sorrow.  Mr.  Bickersteth's  full  heart  found  vent 
in  the  following  letter. 

To  the  Rev.  H.  During. 

'London,  July  15,  1823. 
'  Dear  Brother  Dxtring, 

'We  received  your  letter  of  April  21,  1823,  and  that  to  Mr. 
Johnson,  dated  May  14,  1823. 

'  We  have,  alas  !  to  add  to  the  distressing  tidings  from  you, 
the  heavy  loss  of  our  beloved  brother  Johnson,  and  that  of  Mr. 
Flood,  both  of  whom  died  at  sea.  Never  before  did  we  in  one 
week  receive  such  accumulated  tidings  of  painful  bereavements. 
The  will  of  the  Lord  be  done !  God  forbid  that  we  should 
murmur  against  his  holy  will.  Only  may  his  great  name  be 
glorified  and  magnified. 

'  Sarah  Allen  Bickersteth  gives  us  a  few  particulars  deeply 
interesting  to  us,  of  his  last  days.     His  negroes  at  Regent's 


866  MEMOIR    OF   JOHNSON. 

Town  were  uppermost  in  his  mind ;  he  charged  her  with  a 
message  to  us,  to  do  all  we  could  to  send  a  faithful  minister  to 
his  people.  He  wished  her  to  tell  D.  Noah  to  go  on  steadily 
with  his  duty  :  "  For  suppose  he  say,  because  massa  die  I 
can  do  nothing — he  must  not  say  so — but  pray  to  God,  and 
God  would  help  him,  and  then  they  would  meet  in  heaven." 
These  were  some  of  his  last  words.  His  last  intelligent  words 
were, "  I  cannot  live,  for  God  calls  me,  and  this  night  I  shall  be 
with  him."  He  died  on  Sunday,  the  4th  of  May,  about  a  week 
after  sailing. 

'  We  wish  you  now  to  collect  all  the  materials  in  your  power, 
to  assist  us  in  giving  a  view  of  his  life  and  labours.  Any 
letters  that  he  wrote  to  you  or  to  his  people — any  journals, 
facts,  accounts  of  his  method  of  proceeding.  Mr.  Norman  will, 
doubtless,  assist  in  this. 

'  You  will,  doubtless,  take  the  first  opportunity  of  improving 
this  subject  among  his  people.  I  preached  at  Wheler  Chapel 
on  the  subject,  from  2  Cor.  i.  8 — 11.  It  has  caused  much 
sympathy  and  deep  interest  among  our  friends. 

'  The  Committee  have  not  met  to  consider  the  future  arrange- 
ment respecting  Regent's  Town.  Till  you  hear  further  from 
us,  you  will  continue  to  superintend  them.. 

"  Tell  all  our  friends,  especially  the  widows,  we  deeply  sym- 
pathize with  them,  and  would  write  particularly,  did  time 
permit.  *  I  am,  &c. 

'Edward  Bickeksteth.' 

The  secretaries  also  wrote  to  the  native  teachers  at  Regent's 
Town,  the  following  affectionate  letter. 

'  Church  Missionary  House,  London,  Aug.  28,  1823. 

'Dear  David  Noah,  and  the  other  brethren  at  Regent's 
Town. 
'  You  will  have  heard,  long  ere  you  receive  this,  of  the  loss 
of  your  beloved  pastor  and  father,  Mr.  Johnson.     Your  and 


LETTERS    FROM    THE    SECRETARIES.  367 

our  loss  is  his  unspeakable  gain,  and  let  us  all  say,  "  The  will 
of  the  Lord  be  done." 

'  He  was  justly  dear  to  you.  The  Lord  gave  him  grace  to 
love  your  souls,  and  to  be  wiUing  to  lay  down  his  life  for  you, 
and  his  days  were  shortened  by  labouring  in  a  climate  unhealthy 
to  white  men,  for  your  salvation. 

'  But  sorrow  not  for  him :  think  rather  of  that  exceeding 
and  eternal  weight  of  glory  which  God  our  Saviour  has  now 
bestowed  upon  him,  and  will  bestow  upon  all  who  love  his 
appearing :  think  rather  what  a  blessing  the  Lord  bestowed 
upon  you  in  giving  and  preserving  to  you  so  long  so  faithful  a 
minister. 

'  And  why  has  he  now  taken  him  away  ?  He  has  taken  him 
away  that  you  may  "  cease  from  man  ;"  that  is,  that  you  may 
see  that  your  confidence  should  not  be  placed  in  any  human 
being ;  that  you  may  see,  as  your  beloved  minister  always 
taught  you,  that  they  are  only  instruments  in  the  Lord's  hands 
for  blessing  you. 

'  He  has  taken  him  away  that  you  may  learn  to  trust  in  the 
Lord  only.  You  might  naturally,  having  been  blessed  under 
our  dear  departed  brother's  ministry,  be  tempted  to  look  up  too 
much  to  him,  and  forget  who  made  him  a  blessing  to  you. 
Now  may  you  all  be  led  simply  to  look  to  the  Lord.  He  will 
maintain  his  work  among  you.  He  will  uphold  you  by  his 
right  arm,  and  you  shall  be  safe.  The  enemy  shall  not  prevail 
against  you.  He  has  said,  "  I  will  never  leave  thee  nor  for- 
sake thee." 

'  God  has  taken  him  away  to  humble  you  and  to  prove  you. 
Many  will  now  be  saying,  "  Oh  that  I  had  minded  more  what 
he  said,  and  walked  more  closely  with  God ;  but  because  I  did 
not  rightly  value  and  use  the  instructions  of  so  good  a  man, 
therefore  God  has  taken  him  from  me."  Well,  perhaps  it  was 
so  with  some ;  but  be  not  too  much  discouraged,  the  Lord 
intends  your  spiritual  good,  and  that  you  may  only  meet  him 
with  more  joy  in  the  kingdom  of  our  Saviour's  glory.  Now, 
Jesus  the  Lord,  who  never  leaves  us,  is  looking  upon  you,  and 


368  MEMOIR    OF   JOHNSON. 

seeing  whether  you  can  trust  His  love  even  in  this  severe  trial, 
and  say,  "  Of  very  faithfulness  thou  hast  atflicted  me." 

'  God  has  taken  hira,  we  hope,  for  the  conversion  of  others. 
There  are  some  who  refused  to  hear  Christ  while  his  minister 
lived.  Oh  !  may  they  hear  hira  now,  when  he  speaks  by  tak- 
ing their  minister  away  !  Oh  !  that  the  unconverted  negroes 
of  Regent's  Town  may  now  turn  to  the  Lord  without  delay  ! 
Oh  I  let  it  never  be  said  of  them,  "  The  righteous  perisheth, 
and  no  man  layeth  it  to  heart,  and  the  merciful  men  are  taken 
away,  none  considering  that  the  righteous  are  taken  away  from 
the  evil  to  come."  The  Lord  grant  that  Mr.  J.'s  death  may  be 
the  appointed  means  for  the  spiritual  life  of  many  at  Regent's 
Town. 

'  "  Fear  not,  little  flock ;  it  is  your  Father's  good  pleasure  to 
give  you  the  kingdom."  Now  is  the  time  to  glorify  His  name, 
to  show  that  you  can  indeed  trust  your  Saviour,  and  that  His 
grace  is  suflScient  for  you.  He  would  address  you  with  all 
affectionate  earnestness,  and  say,  "  Therefore,  my  brethren, 
dearly  beloved,  and  longed  for,  my  joy  and  crown  of  rejoicing, 
so  stand  fast  in  the  Lord,  my  dearly  beloved."  We  hope  all 
will  be  of  one  mind,  and  that  Satan  will  not  prevail  to  divide 
you.  We  hope  that  David  Noah  will  attend  to  Mr.  Johnson's 
dying  request. 

'  We  will  endeavour,  as  soon  as  God  shall  enable  us,  to  sup- 
ply Mr.  J.'s  place ;  and  you  must  pray  much  to  God  to  raise 
you  up  a  faithful  pastor. 

'  Let  every  man  look  not  on  his  own  things,  but  on  the 
things  of  the  Lord  Jesus.  We  hope  yet  that  the  Gospel  will 
spi'ead  from  among  you  and  by  you,  far  and  wide  among 
your  countrymen.  Oh !  think  of  their  perishing  condition, 
and  may  the  Lord  give  you  grace  to  long  and  labour  for  their 
salvation.     We  are  pursuaded  you  will  do  more  than  we  say. 

'  And  then  look  at  your  beloved  minister's  life,  and  God 
give  you  all  grace  to  follow  him  as  he  followed  Christ.  Remem- 
ber how  he  laboured  among  you — how  kind  and  loving  he  was 
to  every  man — how  he  bore  with  your  infirmities — how  he 


NEWS    RECEIVED    AT    REGENt's    TOWN.  369 

rejoiced  to  tell  you  of  Christ — how  grieved  he  was  at  the  un- 
godly— how  much  he  prayed  for  you.  Oh  !  think  of  these 
things  ! 

'  We  close  all  in  the  words  of  the  Apostle,  "  Remember  them 
which  have  (had)  the  rule  over  you,  who  have  spoken  unto 
you  the  word  of  life  ;  whose  faith  follow  ;  remembering  the  end 
of  their  conversation,  Jesus  Christ,  the  same  yesterday,  to-day, 
and  for  ever." 

'  The  Lord  be  with  you  all,  pray  your  affectionate  friends, 

'  JosiAH  Pratt, 
'  Edward  Bickersteth.' 

The  tidings  of  the  removal  of  this  eminently  useful  man 
were  received  far  and  near,  with  deepest  sorrow.  It  reached 
Sierra  Leone  in  the  early  part  of  September.  Mr.  Norman, 
who,  as  we  have  just  seen,  had  charge  of  Regent's  Town,  thus 
describes  the  arrival  of  the  intelligence. 

'  On  the  8th  of  September  I  received  information  by  letters 
from  the  Society,  of  the  death,  on  the  4th  of  May,  of  our  dear 
brother  Johnson.  When  the  letters  arrived,  I  was  engaged  in 
reading  Milner's  Church  History  with  the  native  teachers,  and 
the  elder  boys  of  the  Christian  Institution.  When  I  had  read 
the  letters,  I  informed  them  that  their  minister  was  dead.  They 
were  all  greatly  affected,  and  especially  David  Noah.  The 
information  soon  spread  over  the  town,  and  in  a  few  minutes 
our  house  was  crowded  with  weeping  inquirers. 

'  I  endeavoured  to  comfort  them  by  telling  them  that  he  was 
certainly  taken  away  for  his  and  for  their  good — that  he  had 
finished  his  work,  and  had  gone  to  receive  his  everlasting  re- 
ward— that  God  would  not  even  now  forsake  them,  but  would 
still  be  gracious  to  them — that  they  ought  to  be  very  thankful 
that  God  had  spared  him  so  long,  while  many  missionaries  had 
been  cut  off  in  a  short  time  after  they  had  commenced  their 
work — and  that  the  only  way  in  which  they  could  testify  their 
gratitude  to  God,  was  by  bearing  the  trial  with  Christian 
patience  and  meekness,  and  their  love  to  their  late  minister  by 


370  MEMOIR    OF   JOHNSON. 

attending  to  the  instructions  which  he  had  for  seven  years  given 
them.  I  then  told  them  to  go  home  and  beg  of  God  grace  to 
bear  the  trial  as  became  them,  and  promised  to  read  the  letters 
to  them  in  the  Church  at  evening  service.  They  then  begged 
that  I  would  not  leave  them.  I  told  them  I  would  not  while 
I  was  able  to  stand  up  to  teach  them,  unless  they  were  pro- 
vided with  another  teacher. 

'  In  the  evening  the  church  was  crowded.  Before  I  began 
^the  service  I  spoke  to  them,  and  begged  them  not  to  make  any 
noise,  as  I  knew  it  was  an  African  custom  to  cry  aloud  when 
they  had  lost  a  friend.  I  told  them  that  the  Christian  manner 
of  bearing  a  trial  was  with  patience  and  silent  submission  to 
God,  who  had  a  right  to  do  as  he  pleased. 

'  The  congregation  then  sang  the  following  hymn  : — 

"  Dear  refuge  of  my  wearj"  soul ! 
On  Thee  when  sorrows  rise. 
On  Thee  when  waves  of  trouble  roll, 
My  fainting  hope  relies. 

"  To  Thee  I  tell  each  rising  grief, 
For  thou  alone  canst  heal ; 
Thy  word  can  bring  me  sure  relief 
For  every  pain  I  feel. 

"  Hast  thou  not  bid  me  seek  thy  face, 
And  shall  I  seek  in  vainV 
And  can  the  ear  of  sovereign  grace 
Be  deaf  when  I  complain  ? 

"  No,  still  the  ear  of  sovereign  grace 
Attends  the  mourner's  prayer, 
Oh  !  may  I  ever  find  access 
To  breathe  my  sorrows  there. 

"Thy  mercy-seat  is  open  still, 
Here  let  my  soul  retreat ; 
With  humble  hope  attend  Thy  will 
And  wait  beneath  thy  feet." 

'  The  passage  of  scripture  which  came  in  course  for  our  con- 
sideration this  evening  was,  John  viii.  12 — 19.  I  dwelt  more 
particularly  on  the  twelfth  verse.     Afterwards  I  read  the  letters 


NEWS    RECEIVED    AT    REGENT's    TOWN.  371 

which  had  been  received.     All  were  remarkably  attentive  and 
quiet. 

'  We  then  sang  the  following  hymn,  well  known  and  much 
used  among  the  people  there ;  attention  having  been  frequently 
called  to  it  by  their  deceased  minister. 

"  In  every  trouble  sharp  and  strong 
My  soul  to  Jesus  flies ; 
My  anchor-hold  is  firm  in  Him 
When  swelling  billows  rise. 

"  His  comforts  bear  my  spirits  up 

I  trust  a  faithful  God ;  ^ 

The  sure  foundation  of  my  hope 
Is  in  my  Saviour's  blood. 

"  Loud  Hallelujahs  I  will  sing 

To  my  Redeemer's  name ;  * 

In  joy  and  sorrow,  life  and  death, 
His  love  is  still  the  same." 

'  Knowing  the  strength  of  African  feeling,  I  was  much 
astonished  at  the  behaviour  of  the  people.  Not  a  word  or  sob 
was  heard  in  the  church  after  service,  but  all  was  silent  grief. 

'  The  Saturday  evening  after,  many  persons  attended  the 
weekly  meeting — six  of  them  spoke,  and  in  a  most  feeling 
manner  adverted  to  the  death  of  their  late  pastor.  I  give  the 
substance  of  one  of  these  addresses : — 

'  With  respect  to  the  death  of  our  dear  minister  Mr.  Johnson, 
I  can  say  this  is  a  great  trial,  because  I  loved  him.  It  was 
through  his  instrumentality  that  I  was  brought  from  darkness  to 
light :  but  God  had  a  right  to  take  him  away  when  he  pleased. 
We  thought  too  much  of  Mr.  Johnson,  though  he  was  a  good 
man,  and  God  will  not  suffer  us  to  put  confidence  in  any  but 
the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  My  dear  brethren,  I  think  God  took 
him  away  because  we  looked  more  to  Mr.  Johnson  than  we 
did  to  the  Lord  Jesus.  I  hope,  my  dear  brethren,  this  trial 
will  make  us  all  to  trust  more  to  the  Loi*d  Jesus,  for  He  alone 
can  save  us — He  alone  is  the  light  of  the  world.  Let  us  go  to 
Him  and  beg  him  to  sanctify  this  trial  to  us,  and  let  us  shew 


372  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

that  we  do  indeed  love  our  dear  minister  by  doing  what  he 
told  us.' 

The  Governor  of  the  Colony,  Sir  Charles  MacCarthy,  wrote 
to  the  Secretaries  of  the  Society  as  follows : — 

'Sierra  Leone,  September  13,  1823. 
'  The  arrival  of  the  "Ark"  on  the  8th  inst.  with  the  melan- 
choly news  of  the  death  of  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Flood  and  Johnson, 
has  given  every  individual  who  feels  for  the  welfare  of  Africa 
the  deepest  affliction.  With  regard  for  the  latter,  Mr.  Johnson, 
I  was  totally  unprepared  for  it,  as  I  understood  that  he  had 
gone  home  on  private  affairs,  and  with  ophthalmia  in  one  eye. 
It  is  a  severe  dispensation  of  Providence  upon  us  :  his  exertions 
have  been  great,  and  may  perhaps  be  equalled,  but,  I  fear, 
never  surpassed.  He  was  esteemed  by  the  whole  community  ; 
his  people  feel  as  they  ought,  having  lost  a  father  and  a  friend 
in  him.  Some  of  the  principal  among  them  have  been  with 
me,  and  expressed  very  great  respect  and  affection  for  the 
worthy  man  under  whose  charge  they  were  left,  Mr.  Norman, 
yet  they  are  anxious  to  have  a  clergyman.'  *  *         * 

Similar  letters  were  received,  as  might  have  been  expected, 
from  the  surviving  missionaries,  from  the  native  teachers,  and 
others  connected  with  the  colony.  The  friends  of  the  Society 
throughout  England  joined  in  the  lament ;  and  even  from  Ger- 
many the  voice  of  sorrow  was  heard. 

Poor  Regent's  Town  long  mourned  its  loss.  The  eftbrts  of 
the  Committee  were  earnest  and  persevering,  to  supply  Mr. 
Johnson's  place.  But  for  a  long  period  of  time  their  faith  was 
tried  by  repeated  disappointments.  In  the  Januai-y  following 
Mr.  Johnson's  death,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Norman  were  obliged  to  re- 
turn to  England.  Not  until  February  1825  was  a  resident 
missionary  given  to  Regent's  Town,  in  the  person  of  the  Rev.  IT. 
Brooks.  He  found  that,  from  the  want  of  a  responsible  person, 
to  take  charge  of  affairs,  the  public  works  had  been  stopped,  the 
population    had    diminished    to    1300  persons,  many   having 


CONCLUSION.  373 

removed  to  other  villages ;  while,  of  those  who  remained,  many 
had  to  seek  employment  in  Free  Town,  and  were  little  at  home. 
Still,  on  tha  first  administration  of  the  Lord's  Supper  by  Mr.  B. 
about  272  persons  attended ;  and  while  he  mourns  over  the 
decline  which  was  perceptible,  he  adds,  that  "  a  better  dressed 
or  better  behaved  congregation  than  that  of  Regent's  Town,  I 
challenge  any  village  in  England  to  shew."  And  this,  be  it  re- 
membered, was  after  two  years'  destitution  of  proper  spiritual 
superintendence. 

A  few  weeks,  however,  removed  Mr.  Brooks  himself  by 
death,  and  left  Regent's  Town  again  without  a  minister. 
Almost  a  year  elapsed,  before  the  vacancy  was  supplied  by  the 
arrival  of  the  Rev.  W.  K.  Betts,  who  writes,  on  his  arrival  at 
Sierra  Leone,  "I  hear  that  the  population  of  Regent's  Town 
still  amounts  to  1000  or  1200.  If  Mr.  Norman  could  furnish 
me  with  the  names  of  the  communicants  in  his  time,  I  would 
see  what  has  become  of  them."  But  Mr.  Betts  himself,  like 
his  predecessors,  was  obliged  by  illness  to  leave  his  post  in  less 
than  a  year,  —  embarking  on  the  26th  of  April,  1827.  Through, 
the  whole  of  the  rest  of  that  year,  and  of  1828,  the  place 
remained  without  any  resident  minister, — Mr.  Davey,  who  had 
charge  of  several  villages,  having  officiated  there  only  four  or 
five  times  in  each  quarter. 

For  upwards  of  a  dozen  years  Regent's  Town  experienced 
these  calamities.  The  Committee  at  home  never  lost  sight  of 
its  condition,  but  a  long  succession  of  disappointments  reduced 
it  to  the  lowest  point.  At  last,  about  1835,  it  began  to  recover. 
Mr.  Weeks,  Mr.  Schon,  and  after  him,  Mr.  Denton,  laboured 
with  earnest  diligence,  and  with  commensurate  success.  In 
1841  Mr.  Weeks  writes,  "In  Regent's  Town,  112  persons  ap- 
plied for  religious  instruction,  upwards  of  seventy  were  candi- 
dates for  baptism,  and  five  for  the  Lord's  Supper." 

And  in  May  1845  we  find  the  Rev.  N.  Denton  administering 
baptism  to  eleven  men  and  twelve  women.  On  this  occasion, 
the  sermon  was  preached  by  Mr.  Graf,  who  thus  alludes  to  the 
event  in  his  journal. 

18 


374  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSOX. 

'  Havino;  never  had  an  opportunity  of  witnessing  tlie  state ' 
and  behaviour  of  these  congregations  on  the  Lord's  day,  I  Avas 
glad  to  assist  Mr.  Denton  in  his  duties,  which  were  rather 
heavier  than  usual,  owing  to  the  baptism  of  twenty-three 
adults.  The  Charch  was  quite  filled — indeed  some  were  out- 
side— with  an  intelligent  and  lively  congregation  ;  the  singing 
and  the  responses  being  loud  and  general,  and  the  attention 
during  the  sermon  intense  and  uninterrupted.  I  could  not 
help  thinking  of  the  first  batches  of  wild,  naked,  liberated 
slaves,  collected  at  this  place  thirty  years  ago,  by  the  iate  Rev. 
W.  B.  Johnson,  when  the  station  was  first  taken  np  by  the 
Society.  What  a  great  and  good  change  has  Regent's  Town 
undergone,  whea  compared  with  that  first  beginning !' 

The  existence  of  such  a  church  and  congregation,,  remaining 
after  the  lapse  of  more  than  twenty  years,  in  spite  of  many  and 
long-continued  discouragements,  is  tlie  best  proof  that  could 
possibly  be  aflbrded  of  the  reality  and  solidity  of  Mr.  Johnson'* 
work. 

And  now  we  bring  our  narrative  to  a  close.  Tlie  lessons  ift 
teaches  are  many  ;  but  two  or  three  thoughts  more  immediately 
present  themselves. 

The  first  is,  The  sovereignty  and  power  which  maTk  certain 
of  the  divine  operations. 

It  was  remarked,  a  iaw  years  since,  by  an  aged  and  thought- 
ful minister  : — "  We  do  the  best  we  can,  to  raise  up  a  succes- 
sion of  faithful  ministers  of  the  gospel.  We  look  out  for 
young  men  of  promise,  men  whose  hearts  God  seems  to  have 
touched  ;  we  put  them  under  instruction  ;  we  make  them  theo- 
logians, and  preachers :  and  thus  whatever  is  in  our  power, 
we  do :  and  in  so  doing  we  act  rightly  :  No  other  course  i» 
open  to  us.  To  a  certain  degree  we  succeed ;  though  we  often 
have  to  mourn  over  grievous  disappointments.  But  now  and 
then  it  pleases  God  to  take  the  work  into  his  own  hands.  He 
raises  up  a  man,  and  makes  him  a  preacher  of  the  gospel  by 
his  own  especial  teaching  :  and  then  we  behold  a  very  different 


CONCLUSION.  875 

sort  of  minister  from  any  that  human  efforts  or  human  skill 
can  produced' 

The  truth  of  this  remark,  which  was  uttered  long  before 
either  of  these  remarkable  men  had  been  given  to  the  Christian 
church,  has  since  been  made  strikingly  evident  in  the  histories 
of  Williams,  aad  of  Johnson.  No  two  individuals,  in  modern 
times,  have  been  so  honored  of  God,  in  the  missionaiy  work,  as 
were  these  two  men ;  and  none  could  be  more  evidently  pre- 
pared by  Himself  for  the  work. 

It  was  in  the  year  1816,  a  year  which  will  be  ever-memor- 
able in  the  angelic  annals,  that  the  mission  of  these  two  men 
was  commanded.  An  eminent  prelate  of  our  Church  once 
compared  Mr.  Williams''s  narratives  with  the  Acts  of  the  Apostles 
and  under  such  sanction  we  cannot  hesitate  to  say,  that,  as  in 
A.D.  45,  (Acts  xii.  2,)  so  in  a.d.  1816,  "the  Holy  Ghost  said, 
Separate  me  Johnson  and  Williams,  for  the  work  whereunto  I 
have  called  them."  And  what  was  that  work  ?  It  was  one  as 
absolutely  beyond  all  human  power,  as  was  the  subjection  of 
the  Eomaa  empii-e  to  the  sway  of  Him  who  was  crucified  on 
Calvary. 

Two  regions  ©f  the  earth  were  pre-eminently  reigned  over  by 
the  Evil  One.  In  Africa,  amoug  the  degraded  race  of  Ham, 
the  slave-trade  had  done  its  work  ;  in  crushing,  brutalizing,  ex- 
terminating ;  while  their  religion  was,  avowedl}'',  Devil-worship. 
In  Polynesia,  some  of  the  most  lovely  spots  on  the  earth 
were  becoming  depopulated  by  vice  and  unnatural  cruel- 
ty. Mothers  slept  calmly  on  beds  beneath  which  they  had_ 
buried  many  of  their  own  murdered  infants  ?  Over  these  two 
regions  Satan  ruled  supreme,  and  his  kingdom  of  Hell  was  al- 
most visibly  established.  To  overthrow  that  dominion,  it 
pleased  God  to  send  forth  two  young  men.  Not  a  phalanx 
of  learned  theologians,  or  well-taught  divines,  or  clever  and  as- 
tute philosophers  ;  but  two  men  of  no  learning,  possessing  only 
a  scanty  measure  of  the  most  ordinary  instruction.  There  can- 
not be  a  doubt  that  this  was  ordered  as  in  the  apostle's  day : 
"After  that  the  world  by  wisdom  knew  not  Qod,  it  pleased 


370  -■'  MEMOIU    OF    JOHNSOX. 

God  by  the  foolishness  of  preaching  to  save  them  that  be- 
lieve. Because  the  foolishness  of  God  is  wiser  than  men,  and 
the  weatness  of  God  is  stronger  than  men."    (1  Cor.  i.  21.) 

Had  the  event  proved  otherwise,  the  Directors  of  the  London 
Missionary  Society  would  have  been  deemed  by  many  to  have 
laid  themselves  open  to  censure.  John  Williams  had  not  ar- 
rived at  the  age  of  manhood  when  he  was  sent  forth,  and  his 
previous  instruction  had  occupied  but  a  few  short  months  ! 

As  to  William  Johnson,  he  had  been  a  mechanic;  had  been 
placed  in  the  National  Society's  Training-School  for  a  single 
twelvemonth,  and  was  sent  forth,  by  the  Church  Missionary 
Society,  to  labour  in  West  Africa  as  a  schoolmaster.  It  is 
quite  certain  that  neither  of  these  Societies  had  an  idea,  when 
they  sent  forth  these  young  men,  with  far  less  than  the  ordi- 
nary preparation, — what  important  instruments,  in  the  hand  of 
the  Holy  Ghost,  they  were  then  dismissing  to  their  labours. 

But  though  called  to  the  work  at  about  the  same  period,  and 
sent  forth  in  the  same  year,  and  resembling  each  other  greatly 
in  their  previous  histories,  there  was  a  wide  difterence  in  the 
two  spheres  of  labour  for  which  they  were  destined,  and  there 
was  a  similar  difterence  in  the  character  of  their  minds.  He 
who  "knew  what  was  in  man,"  and  who  "fashioneth  the 
clay  like  a  potter,"  gave  to  Polynesia  the  conqueror  and 
civilizer,  Williams,  and  to  oppressed  Africa  the  sympathizing 
consoler  and  preacher,  Johnson.  The  same  gospel  dwelt  in 
the  hearts  and  on  the  lips  of  each,  but  the  outward  circum- 
stances of  their  respective  missions  were  very  different.  Mr. 
Williams's  lot  was  cast  in  a  land 

"  Where  every  prospect  pleases. 
And  only  7nan  i3  vile." 

Luxury,  indolence,  and  luxurious  vice,  were  the  foes  with  which 
he  had  to  wrestle.  What  a  picture  of  the  native  opulence  of 
those  regions  is  given  by  the  single  fact,  that  the  people  of 
one  of  those  islands,  few  in  number,  were  able,  when  really 
awakened  to  their  duty,  to  send  home  to  the  parent  Society,  in 


CONCLUSION. 


377 


one  year,  a  contribution   of  the   value   of  eigheeen  hundred 
•pounds  ! 

It  is  no  detraction  from  the  merits  of  Mr,  Williams,  to  re- 
mark, tli#t  Mr.  Johnson,  placed  in  more  painful  and  difficult 
circumstances,  shines,  under  these  circumstances,  with  a  still 
brighter  light.  Ease  and  luxury,  sunny  climes  and- softening 
atmospheres,  are  not  those  which  are  most  favourable  to 
Christian  heroism.  Multitudes  of  predecessors  in  the  mission- 
ary work,  had  sunk  under  these  temptations,  and  had  failed 
in  the  same  undertaking  in  which  Mr.  Williams  so  remarkably 
succeeded.  The  difficulties  which  surrounded  Mr.  Johnson 
were  of  a  different  class.  The  climate,  it  is  true,  was  in 
each  case  unfavourable  to  vigorous  effort.  But  while  surround- 
ing circumstances,  in  Polynesia,  almost  resembled  those  of 
Bunyan's  "Enchanted  ground,"  the  case  of  a  missionary  in 
Western  Africa  was  widely  different.  Despondency  might  co- 
operate with  a  relaxing  climate,  and  so  produce  a  despairing 
inertness ;  but  assuredly  every  thing  around  was  replete  with 
painful  sights  and  dread-inspiring  a,larnas.  Poverty,  degrada- 
tion, physical  and  moral  wretchedness  among  the  people ; — 
conspired  with  frequent  sickness  and  death  among  the  labour- 
ers, to  throw  the  missionary  upon  hi«  God,  as  his  only  re- 
fuge and  strength,  "  a  very  present  help  in  time  of  trouble." 
And  wTien  this  result  was  produced,  the  effect  was  naturally 
most  salutary.     It  recalled  Cowper's  lines  : 

"  For  lie  who  knew  what  human  hearts  would  prore, — 
How  slow  to  learn  the  dictates  of  his  love  ; 
That,  hard  hy  nature  and  of  stubborn  will, 
A  life  of  ease  would  make  them  harder  still, — 
In  pity  to  the  souls  His  grace  designed 
To  rescue  from  the  ruins  of  mankind, 
Called  for  a  cloud  to  darken  all  their  years, 
And  said, '  Go,  spend  them  in  the  vale  of  tears.'  " 

The  general  effect,  then,  of  these  differing  circumstances,  was, 
that  while  both  these  eminent  men  preached  the  same  gospel, 
and  with  the  same  simplicity  and  faithfulness. — the  results  were 
modified  by  external  influences; — in  Mr.  Williams's  case,  we 


378  MEMOIR    OF   JOHNSON. 

find  large  and  rapid  successes  ; — in  Mr.  Johnson's,  more  limited 
but  perhaps  more  deeply  spiritual  conversions.  We  i"emark 
the  diti'erence,  not  in  depreciation  of  Mr.  Williams's  labours  :  had 
he  been  placed  in  Mr.  Johnson's  circumstances,  he  would  probab- 
ly have  been  what  Mr.  Johnson  was  ;  while  Mr.  Johnson,  in  Po- 
lynesia, would  have  proved  himself  another  Williams.  "  But 
all  these  things  worketh  that  one  and  the  selfsame  Spirit;  di- 
viding to  every  man  severally  as  he  will."  (1  Cor.  xii.  11.) 
Nor  must  the  reader  forget,  in  comparing  these  two  eminently 
successful  missionaries,  that  Mr.  Williams's  course  was  prolonged 
to  more  than  two  and  twenty  years,  while  Mr.  Johnson's  ended 
in  less  than  seven. 

A  second  remark  which  naturally  suggests  itself,  is  this : 
That  when  God  speaks  to  any  man  directly,  as  he  spoke  to 
William  Johnson,  the  speech  of  that  man  to  his  fellow-sinners 
will  often  be  found  to  be  similarly  direct  and  effective, 

Johnson  was  awakened  and  called  "out  of  darkness  into 
marvellous  light"  without  human  instrumentality.  By  the 
Holy  Ghost,  working  with  conspiring  circumstances,  his  heart 
was  penetrated.  The  preacher's  part,  which  followed,  was  only 
to  administer  comfort,  and  to  point  to  Christ.  And  when  so 
built  upon  the  only  sure  foundation,  and  made  desirous  of 
spreading  the  knowledge  of  salvation,  it  is  most  worthy  of  re- 
mark, that  he  could  scarcely  open  his  mouth  without  some  one's 
being  stricken  to  the  heart.  The  proofs  of  the  directness  and 
eftective  character  of  his  preaching,  pervade  his  whole  history; 
but  we  may  point  especially  to  pages  29,  44,  50,  55,  161,  193, 
198,  201,  227,  235,  255,  267,  285,  &c.  The  "live  coal  from 
the  altar"  evidently  had  "touched  his  lips,"  and  his  speech  was 
"  with  demonstration  of  the  Spirit,  and  with  power." 

One  more  observation  must  be  made,  though  with  fear  and 
trembling.  In  the  short  but  eminently  successful  career  of  Mr. 
Johnson,  we  see  how  practicable  it  is,  to  unite  a  burning  zeal 
with  a  sound  judgment ;  and  how  excellently  the  two  combine 
to  form  the  able  minister  of  the  gospel. 

In  the  present  day,  prudence,  and  caution,  and  decorum,  are 


CONCLUSION.  379 

more  common  than  fervency  and  earnest  zeal ;  and  hence  it 
follows,  that  any  overflowing  of  earnestness  is  almost  sure  to  be 
checked  and  reproved,  as  "  bordering  on  enthusiasm."  It  was 
so,  in  Mr.  Johnson's  case.  His  very  first  step,  in  his  public  duty, 
(page  23,)  exposed  him  to  such  a  check.  But  a  review  of  his 
whole  course  presents  him  in  the  light  of  one,  "who  merely 
felt  and  acted  in  the  spirit  of  St.  Paul.  He  was  wiUing  to  be 
"made  all  things  to  all  men,  that  he  might  by  all  means 
save  some."  He  was  "instant,  in  season,  out  of  season^  re- 
proving, rebuking,  exhorting,  with  all  long-sufiering  and  doc- 
trine." But  he  was  ever  watchful,  humble,  desirous  to  receive 
the  counsel  of  his  elders,  and  prompt  in  obeying  it.  He  kept 
an  even  course,  between  the  urgency  of  the  Governor,  on  the 
one  hand,  desirous  of  a  general  admission  into  the  church,  and 
the  apprehensions,  on  the  other,  of  "  that  fearful  Tamba,  dread- 
ing that  the  church  would  be  filled  with  hypocrites."  The 
soundness  of  his  judgment,  and  the  wisdom  of  his  course,  is 
seen  in  the  rapid  disappearance  of  disorder,  and  the  perpetual 
increase  of  his  influence  over  his  people.  Not  by  mere  priestly 
pretensions,  but  by  the  legitimate  sway  of  mind  over  mind,  and 
heart  over  heart,  he  won  his  way,  till,  towards  the  close  of  his 
course,  the  control  exercised  by  him  seemed  all  that  a  pastor 
could  desire.  It  is  not,  indeed,  to  be  doubted,  that,  as  in  the 
apostolic  churches,  so  in  Regent's  Town,  the  enemy  was  sedu- 
lously employed  in  sowing  tares  among  the  wheat.  We  have 
already  seen,  (p.  363,)  that  within  a  few  weeks  after  his  de- 
parture, the  temptation  of  ardent  spirits  crept  in.  If  we  had 
pursued  the  story  still  later,  we  might  have  met  with  the  sad 
story  of  a  quarrel,  ending  with  the  appearance  of  some  of  the 
Regent's  Town  communicants,  as  criminals,  before  a  magistrate. 
But  the  counterpart  of  all  this  had  been  written  before,  in  St. 
Paul's  and  St.  Peter's  epistles,  (2  Cor.  xii.  21.  2  Pet.  ii.  18- 
22.)  And  the  best  criterion  of  Mr.  Johnson's  having  followed 
Paul,  as  Paul  followed  his  Master,  is,  that  his  whole  narrative 
bears  the  closest  resemblance  to  the  apostle's  own  experience, 
as  we  find  it  depicted  in  his  various  epistles. 


380  MEMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

Such  is  the  work  of  God,  carried  on  by  a  few  of  his  people, 
for  "accomplishing  the  number  of  his  elect,  and  hastening  his 
kingdom."  Let  us  compare  it,  for  a  few  moments,  with  some 
of  the  works  of  man. 

And  the  contrast  which  first  and  most  naturally  presents 
itself,  is  that  of  such  a  mission  as  Regent's  Town,  with  the  mis- 
sions of  Rome. 

All  the  missions  of  which  Rome  boasts,  have  been  enterprizes 
begun  and  carried  on  within  the  last  three  centuries.  And, 
whatever  the  Roman  church  might  have  been  in  earlier  times, 
we  believe  that  from  the  Reformation  downward  at  least,  it  has 
been  apostate,  and  its  works,  therefore,  the  works  of  fallen  man, 
and  not  of  God.  Let  us  compare  those  works  with  a  Protest- 
ant mission,  such  as  that  of  Regent's  Town. 

We  have  here  the  narrative  of  a  plain  and  simple  mechanic, 
educated  but  scantily  for  a  schoolmaster  of  poor  liberated  ne- 
groes ;  but  who,  in  the  course  of  his  labours,  speaking  of  Christ 
to  them,  becomes  the  means  of  building  up  an  extensive  Chris- 
tian church.  Very  soon  we  find  him  assembling  1500  people 
together,  Sunday  by  Sunday,  admitting  400  of  them  to  the 
Lord's  table,  and  educating  1000  in  schools.  The  reality  of  the 
work  is  shewn  by  its  endurance.  After  much  adversity,  and 
many  discouragements,  long  continued.  Regent's  Town,  at  this 
moment,  rejoices  in  the  Christian  church  which  was  founded 
by  William  Johnson.  From  that  church,  many  redeemed  souls 
have  joined  the  blessed  company  in  Paradise.  Now  a  parallel 
to  all  this  may  be  found  in  other  Christian  missions — such  as 
those  of  Mr.  Williams,  already  alluded  to, — the  churches  ga- 
thered by  the  Moravians  in  difierent  countries,  and  the  churches 
now  multiplying  in  Tinnevelly.  But  is  the  like  to  be  found  in 
the  history  of  the  Papal  Church  ?  There  are  indeed  large  re- 
cofds  of  their  successes,  and  we  believe  that,  at  various  periods, 
the  missionaries  of  Rome,  in  divers  countries,  have  succeeded  in 
baptizing  great  numbers.  To  baptize  myriads  of  ignorant  and 
unconverted  heathens,  however,  if  this  be  all,  is  a  mere  delu- 
sion,    lias  there  been,  among  the  annals  of  Romish  missions, 


CONCLUSION.  381 

a  single  instance  resembling  that  of  Regent's  Town,  in  its  real- 
ity? A  single  instance,  we  mean,  of  a  Christian  congregation, 
not  only  baptized,  but  brought  into  the  habits,  feelings,  and 
tempers,  of  the  Christian  life  ?  We  have  met  with  no  such  his- 
tory ;  and  we  doubt  if  such  an  one  exists. 

But  we  may  pass  from  the  counterfeit  Christianity  of  apos- 
tate Rome,  to  the  other  religions  of  mankind.  Do  we  find 
among  them,  anything  resembling  a  genuine  Christian  mission, 
either  in  its  self-.-aciifice,  or  in  its  wondrous  results  ? 

"Look  at  the  spirit  of  aggression  which  characterizes  this 
religion,  its  undeniable  power  to  prompt  those  who  hold  it  to 
render  it  victorious — a  spirit  which  has  not  been  least  active  in 
our  own  time.  We  do  not  see  anything  like  this  in  other  reli- 
gions. We  do  not  see  Mollahs  from  Ispahan,  Brahmins  from 
Benares,  Bonzes  from  China,  preaching  their  systems  of  religion 
in  London,  Paris,  and  Berlin  ;  supported  year  after  year  by  an 
enormous  expenditure  on  the  part  of  their  zealous  compatriots, 
and  the  nations  who  support  them  taking  the  liveliest  interest  in 
their  success  or  failure  : "  *  In  fact,  it  is  Christianity  alone 
which  professes  to  have  received  a  Divine  Command,  to  "  go 
and  teach  all  nations," — and  it  is  only  Christianity  which  acts 
upon  such  an  injunction. 

Isolate,  for  a  moment,  the  case  of  Regent's  Town,  and  let  it 
be  regarded  with  close  attention.  Here  is  a  single  man,  but 
just  escaped  from  a  London  workshop,  employed  in  organizing, 
civilizing,  and  humanizing  a  large  body  of  rescued  slaves,  of  a 
different  race,  and  of  various  other  tongues.  In  a  wonderfully 
short  space  of  time,  he  so  gains  the  affections  of  these  poor 
savages,  that  a  large  Christian  village  arises,  almost  as  if  by 
magic.  Streets  and  gardens,  a  church  and  schools,  fields  and 
farm-yards  are  occupied,  and  cultivated  by  hundreds  of  willing 
hearts  and  hands.  At  once,  without  any  delay,  a  congregation  of 
redeemed  and  saved  men  and  women  is  seen.  The  chtirch  is  fill- 
ed to  overflowing;  the  schools  are  crowded  with  eager  learners; 

*  The  Eclipse  of  Faitk,  p.  218. 

16* 


3S2  MKMOIR    OF    JOHNSON. 

hundreds  press  forward  to  beg  for  the  benefit  of  the  Christian 
sacraments; — meanwhile,  industry  and  its  fruits  abound  on 
every  side,  and  purity  of  morals,  such  as  no  English  village 
knows,  universally  prevails.  Such  are  the  results  of  even  three 
or  four  years'  labour ; — may  we  not  reasonably  ask, — When  did 
the  religion  of  Rome,  or  of  the  East, — or  when  did  the  philan- 
thropy of  rationalistic  philosophers,  produce  such  a  wondrous 
transformalion  as  this  ? 

It  is  well  that  men  should  thoroughly  understand  that  Chris- 
tianity is  alone  in  the  world,  as  a  religion.  There  is  no  other 
faith  which  even  pretends  to  be  made  for  mankind  ;  and  there 
is  no  other,  the  adherents  to  which  make  any  attempt  to  dif- 
fuse it  among  mankind.  The  reason  is  easily  discernible.  The 
various  forms  of  heathenism  have  all  one  original,  and  one  pat- 
ron. They  constitute  different  provinces  of  the  one  kingdom 
of  "  the  God  of  this  world."  They  do  not  make  war  upon  each 
other,  for  "if  Satan  be  divided  against  Satan,  how  shall  his 
kingdom  stand?"  But  with  the  religion  of  Christ  the  case  is 
wholly  different.  Five  hundred  years  before  it  was  distinctly 
manifested,  a  prophet  was  inspired  to  foretel,  that  after  the 
Assyrian,  Persian,  Macedonian,  and  Roman  empires,  a  totally 
different  power  should  arise, — "  a  stone,  cut  out  without  hands, 
which  should  become  a  great  mountain,  and  should  fill  the 
whole  earth."  And  Christ  himself,  when  departing  from  the 
earth  for  a  season,  said  to  his  disciples,  "All  power  is  given  to 
me,  in  heaven  and  in  earth  ; — Go  ye,  therefore,  and  teach  all 
nations." 

This  command  was  given  eighteen  hundred  years  ago,  in 
the  land  of  Palestine,  and  it  was  addressed  to  a  few  poor  fisher- 
men and  artisans.  And  in  this  nineteenth  century,  lamentably 
as  the  injunction  has  been  neglected,  we  still  see  several 
hundreds  of  men,  traversing,  like  Johnson  and  Williams,  differ- 
ent regions  of  the  earth,  braving  the  pestilence  here,  and  the 
club  of  the  savage  there,  and  even  rejoicing  to  lay  down  their 
lives  in  such  a  cause. 

The  prediction,  the  command,  and  the  fact  which  is  at  this 


CONCLUSION.  383 

moment  before  our  eyes,  should  all  be  taken  in  connection ; 
and  if  this  be  done,  the  sincere  seeker  after  truth  will  find  that 
which  admits  of  but  one  reasonable  solution. 

But  let  us  for  a  moment,  take  a  still  larger  view,  and  com- 
pare the  narrative  we  have  just  closed,  with  the  works  and 
ways  of  men  in  general, — taking  for  the  stronger  argument, 
men  in  their  most  civilized  and  humanized  condition. 

What  are  the  thoughts  and  pursuits  of  men  in  society, — 
even  if  we  look  chiefly  to  the  most  refined  and  humanized  of 
the  species  ; — nay,  even  to  men  associated  together  in  Christian 
churches  ?  Are  they  not  bent,  for  the  most  part,  either  on 
the  acquisition  of  money,  or  on  the  piirsuit  of  what  is  called 
pleasure  ?  Taking  even  the  more  respectable  and  moral  classes, 
apart  from  the  rest,  do  we  not  find  that  either  the  pursuit  of 
wealth,  or  the  enjoyment  of  the  things  procured  by  wealth,  is 
the  one  predominant  idea  ? 

What  a  contrast  is  furnished  by  the  memoir  we  are  closing  ! 
A  most  active  and  energetic  mind,  engaged  for  seven  years  in 
one  engrossing  pursuit,  and  that  pursuit  so  far  above  the  sordid 
aims  of  men  in  general,  that  his  letters,  journals,  and  reports, 
for  a  long  series  of  years,  may  be  searched,  and  not  a  thought 
connected  with  self,  selfish  gains,  or  selfish  enjoyments,  will  be 
found.  As,  in  Paradise  of  old,  and  in  the  Paradise  yet  to  be 
revealed,  all  thoughts  of  such  things  would  seem  absurd,  re- 
volting, and  out  of  place, — so,  in  the  higher  atmosphere  to 
which  Johnson  had  attained,  he  seems  to  have  left  such  thoughts 
behind.  He  had  his  "  food  and  raiment "  provided  for  him, 
and  he  had  his  work  to  do.  That  done,  there  only  remain- 
ed the  blessed  termination ;  "  God  calls  me,  and  this  night  I 
shall  be  with  Him." 

It  is  true,  that  some  few  cases,  of  less  selfish  and  sordid  views 
and  feelings,  do  now  and  then  occur,  in  the  world  at  large. 
One  higher  and  nobler  aspect  of  human  labours  and  human 
ambition  has  been  presented  in  the  most  emphatic  way,  while 
these  closing  pages  were  passing  through  the  press.  All  that 
human  nature,  in  its  noblest  and  best  condition  could  oflfer,  has 


384  MEMOIR    or    JOHNSON. 

just  passed  before  us,  in  the  person  of  the  ^eatest  warrior  of 
Europe,  now  on  his  way  to  his  last  eartlily  resting-place.  Let 
us  honor, — as  David  honored  Abner, — the  memory  of  one  of 
the  powerful  of  the  earth,  who  acknowledged  Heaven's  law, 
subjection  :  and  knew  it  to  be  his  safest  and  wisest  course, 
to  follow  only  the  dictates  of  dutt/.  But  while  we  rejoice  in 
-such  an  example, — let  us  rightly  appreciate  the  sphere  and 
character  of  his  labours.  The  noblest  of  his  kind, — still,  that 
kind  was  not  the  highest.  The  warrior  has  to  do  with  earth 
only, — the  preacher  of  the  gospel  has  to  do  with  Heaven.  So 
long  as  our  present  condition  lasts,  which  will  be  but  a  few 
years  longer,  Waterloo  will  be  one  of  earth's  most  thrilling 
names.  It  decided  the  fate  of  empires, — it  gave  Europe  "  rest 
for  forty  years."  But  when  the  transitory  things  of  the  present 
world  shall  have  vanished,  and  the  real  and  eternal  shall  rise 
in  their  proper  form  and  consistency,  then  Waterloo,  and 
Agincourt,  and  Marathon  will  be  remembered  only  with 
wonder  and  with  pity, — while  such  names  as  Bethelsdorp, 
Raiateia,  and  Regent's  Town  will  be  "  had  in  everlasting  re- 
membrance." 

AVhat  is  the  brightest  hope  held  out  in  God's  word,  to 
the  truest  and  most  faithful  of  his  servants  ?  We  know,  in- 
deed, that  salvation  is  the  common  hope  of  all ; — that  to  be 
admitted  "  within  the  gates  of  the  city  "  is  the  humble  trust 
of  every  believer.  But  our  Lord  has  said,  "  In  my  Father's 
house  are  many  mansions,"  His  apostle  adds,  that  "  one  star 
differeth  from  another  star  in  glory."  The  meaning  of  the 
gospel  parable  is  not  dubious,  which  relates  that  the  King  re- 
warded his  servants  with  authority  over  two  cities,  over  five, 
or  over  ten,  according  to  their  previous  success  in  his  service. 
Now  the  most  glorious  promise  of  future  bliss  that  is  to  be 
found  in  Holy  Scripture,  is  that  which  declares,  that  "they 
that  be  wise  shall  shine  as  the  brightness  of  the  firmament,  and 
theij  that  turn  many  to  righteousness,  as  the  stars  for  ever  and 
ever." 

Behold,  then,  a  poor  mechanic,  labouring  in  Whitechapel, 


CONCLUSION.  385 

"  almost  naked,  and  in  want  of  food."  God  suddenly,  without 
any  human  aid,  "  speaks  to  his  heart."*  At  once  does  he  respond 
to  the  call :  at  once  does  he  spring  "  out  of  darkness  into 
marvellous  light."  Soon  after,  he  hears  of  the  wretched  state 
of  the  heathen,  and  he  steps  forward,  with  "  Here  am  I,  send 
me!"  He  is  sent,  and  for  seven  years,  each  month's  labour 
is  a  visible  inroad  on  the  kingdom  of  Satan.  All  that  he  does, 
whether  in  teaching,  or  exhorting,  or  withstanding  error,  is 
done  with  the  whole  heart.  His  success  is  almost  without 
a  precedent.  Doubtless  a  whole  company  of  redeemed  souls 
went  before  him  to  Paradise,  The  church  built  up  by  him,  in 
six  short  years,  although  long  afflicted  and  left  destitute,  en- 
dured, and  is  a  living  and  thriving  church  at  this  day.  Its 
candlestick  remains,  a  light  to  all  Western  Africa.  And  what 
of  its  founder  ?  Gone,  to  "  shine  as  the  stars  for  ever  and. 
ever !" — few,  when  seated  in  "  heavenly  places,"  far  above  my- 
riads of  the  learned,  the  wealthy,  the  honoured,  and  the  power- 
ful, of  the  Christian  Church, — few,  very  few  will  cry  louder 
than  he,  "0/i  the  depths^  both  of  the  wisdom,  and  knowledge  of 
God  !  How  unsearchable  are  his  judgments,  and  his  tvays 
2Mst  finding  out  /" 

*  Hosea  ii.  14.  margin. 


THE    END. 


♦ 


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J^ 


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fill  siiisi  Of  fiifio 

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|00lt'u  3inn0titti,ait5  it|0n  t\)t  f  0lg  §tW^, 

Wherein  the  Sacred  Text  is  inserted,  and  various  readings  annexed ; 
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WE  MV'UATim  Q'i  %%  3tOHI. 

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Til   BIBlil    SeHPiilSi. 

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IPABAIBILlEi    ©IF    iIPIEm(Bo 

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/ar  (Dff;  nr,  Slsin  ul  Slustralia  DBsrriliBi 

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XXI. 

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,-^ 


